On April 5, four Leo Baeck students in the “She’elot”(Questions) band entertained and inspired an audience of parents, Leo Baeck students and community members with a lively performance of their original music and songs.
The talented musicians, all on the autism disorder spectrum (ADS), study in Leo Baeck’s special needs program and have been playing together since October 2014 under the direction of Amir Avraham, musical coordinator at Leo Baeck’s Ruth Center. This performance was the realization of their dream to raise awareness of ADS, its symptoms and effect on the lives of ADS individuals and those around them, with the aim of increasing understanding and acceptance. In between their rhythmic musical selections, the band members shared their personal experiences and views of ADS with the audience, impressing everyone with their openness and self-confidence in speaking no less than their playing.
The band voluntarily performs at many Leo Baeck and community events. Playing and communicating through music has given the band members a means of expressing themselves and has improved their interaction with others. Following a standing ovation from the audience, one band member said: “If you are motivated, anything is possible.”
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