May
2024
Hello –
As we step into May, we are welcoming Mental Health Awareness Month with open hearts and minds. This is a time to amplify voices, share stories, and stand together to reduce stigma and stand in support of mental health wellness.
To recognize this important month, we are thrilled to be presenting two free screenings of the powerful documentary Orchestrating Change on May 18th and 19th. Each screening will include a meet-and-greet with conductor Ronald Braunstein, Caroline Whiddon (executive director of the Me2/Orchestra), and the filmmakers. Additional information about both days is below.
Please plan to join us for one or both special events! Together, we can create a community that values mental health, supports one another, and thrives in compassion and understanding.
Thank you for being a part of the NMTS family and for your commitment to erasing the stigma of mental illness. Together, we can make a difference.
Manal Toppozada, Executive Director and Founder
Orchestrating Change
In observance of National Mental Health Awareness Month, NMTS is proud to present two free screenings of Orchestrating Change on Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19, both at 12:30 pm at NMTS. The documentary showcases the remarkable journey of the Me2/Orchestra, the world’s only orchestra established by and for individuals living with mental illness and their allies. The Me2/Orchestra’s mission is to combat mental health stigma through the power of music, one concert at a time. These screenings aim to raise awareness and diminish the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
On Saturday, May 18 the movie will be screened in partnership with the RCO and its conductor, Kelly Kuo. The documentary will begin at 12:30 p.m. followed by a short break and a conducting masterclass, during which all members of the community will have the opportunity to conduct members of the RCO’s string quintet. The masterclass will be followed by a short meet and greet with Braunstein, Caroline Whiddon (executive director of the ME2/Orchestra), and the filmmakers.
On Sunday, May 19, the movie will be screened in partnership with NAMI Northern Nevada. The documentary will begin at 12:30 p.m. followed by a short break, refreshments, and a meet and greet and panel discussion with Braunstein, Whiddon, and the filmmakers.
Thank you to the City of Reno for being the title sponsor of these events. There are still sponsorship opportunities available. If you would like to be part of this event, please reach out to Wendy at 775-324-5521 or wendy@nmtsreno.org.
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
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Every spring we give our participants the opportunity to show their friends and family what they have been working on. This year, there will be two recitals, each lasting about an hour.
Sat 5/4 - 11:30am
Sat 5/4 - 1:00pmCome on out and support our participants as they take the stage! It is a great opportunity to see how your support is making a positive impact in your community.
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12:30-2:00pm Movie screening
2:15-3:30pm Conducting workshopAfter the free creening, Maestro Braunstein will lead a workshop for anyone interested in learning more about conducting. The RCO Quintet will be on site for the workshop!
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12:30-2:00pm Movie screening
2:15-3:30pm Panel discussionAfter the free screening, NMTS will hold a panel discussion and Q&A session with Maestro Braunstein, the executive director of the Me2/Orchestra and the film makers.
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You’re invited to our monthly NMTS Friday Fun Night!
The last Friday of every month, NMTS will be putting on fun events that aim to bring music to our community. Next Friday May 31st 5:30 - 6:45, it’s time to put on your boogie shoes for a Dance Party! Led by our dance instructor, Wendy, we will be grooving to all the great party dance songs. You can also just come to watch, listen, and make new friends!
Everyone is welcome to join, but anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The event is free with a suggested donation of $5.
We hope to see you there!!
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Hosted by the City of Sparks, the Mark Wellman Adventure Day and Abilities Expo is a free event that takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 2nd on the Sparks Marina peninsula.
11:00am NMTS Dance Performance
Come out and enjoy the day (think hand-cycling, kayaking, and rock climbing with adaptive equipment), stop by the NMTS information booth to say hi to us, and catch our dancers performing near the gazebo at 11:00am. See you there!
See the full Calendar of Events for NMTS by clicking below:
Teen Playlists - May
In April, NMTS participated in Teen Night Out at the Discovery Museum, hosted by The Children’s Cabinet and Hope Means Nevada. More than 1,000 teens enjoyed a night of social connection and education from local experts in mental health, personal development, self-care, leadership, art and music. NMTS asked teens to help create two community playlists - one with songs they listen to when they’re happy and one with songs they listen to when they’re sad. Teens then scanned a unique QR code that brought them to their community playlist. It was powerful to see them find joy, connection, and empowerment from participating. Our playlists have close to 200 songs, you can explore them for yourself below!
April Thank Yous
Thank you to our April donors:
Donna Aslan, Shannon Beets, Susan Boner, Care Services of Nevada, Theresa Desautels, Cheryl Eckert, Judith Ethridge, Wendy & John Firestone, CeCelia Gable, Peggy Hall, Carrie Harding, Rebecca Hibit, Brad Lund & Trudy Miller, Lynda Mahorter, Greg McNie, Sophie Moeller, Lee Moran, Dan O'Bryan, Whitney Pomi, Rotary Club of Sparks, Pam Miller Russell, Ann Silver, Dallas Smith, Jason Smith, Sylvie Smith, Jeannie Steinman, Kate Sweeney, Jennifer Tibben, Walt Tjong, Jack Tsan, Ken & Doreen Vogel, Sue Wagner.
Extra thanks to our monthly Music Makers giving crew:
Barb Anderson, Susan Boskoff, Dodie Bryant, Michelle Burke, Jody Call. Skyler Dillon, Leslie Doukas, Tiffany Dunseath, MaryLee Fulkerson, Heather Gage, Rachel Gattuso, Mary Jo Gieseke, Karen Golonka, Beverly Hennen, Jonathan Hickox-Young, Andy Hughes, Dina Hunsberger, Sandy Jacob, Ana Johnson, Nadia Khan, Lucille Knight, Michael Lahnala, Deanna Lyons, Pam Macy, LuAnn Miller, Pauline Mooers, Meghan Ochs, Rikki Powers, Lisa A Rizzoli, Jake Steinman, Judith Stewart, Jennifer Tibben & Sharon Hickox, Sarah Toney, Jonathan Wilson, Sandra Young, Tim Young
Thank you volunteers:
Katie Amorelli, Barb Anderson, Kendra Bertschy, Jeff Bloyd, Jacob Davis, Cheryl Eckert, Mark Geeson, Emily Hoang, Andy Hughes, Joby Jimenez, Ian Karr, Aaron Kirkpatrick, Michael Lahnala, Laura Matushek, Greg McNie, Diana Medina, Chris Middleton, Sophie Moeller, Jordan Nakao, Zander Newmark, Ally Perez, Whitney Pomi, Pat Ragains, Patti Rodriguez, Becca Shipley, Jasmine Soriano, Jake Steinman, Dave Stockman, Ken Vogel, Cheryl Widman, Tembra Wright-Hay
