Gsus Harmonies Nonprofit

Where the making of a joyful noise is therapeutic medicine for the mind, the body, and the spirit.

The vision of G^sus Harmonies Nonprofit was birthed in 2013.  With their 40+ combined years of training, playing, and performing experiences, our music therapists bring to the organization their performing experience, training, musical knowledge, and expertise across many styles of music – as well as their clinical expertise and training.  Our mission is to make sure that music therapy and music therapy-related services can be available to those who need it and want it.  It is our hearts’ desire that cost not be a factor someone in need does not reach out for help. 

We do this through fundraising for music therapy scholarships for veterans and the families/caregivers, those who are low-income and/or homeless, and those with special circumstances.   The performing ensembles offered by G^sus Harmonies Nonprofit are to provide live music playing and performing experiences for and with the outlying community, with a focus for those with special needs. Because what we do at G^sus Harmonies Nonprofit is based in music therapy, ensemble participants and performers are made up of those within the special needs classifications. Our organization and ensembles are open to those within the geriatric community, the intellectually disabled community, the developmentally disabled community, the physically disabled community, and the medical and rehabilitating community. In addition, our organization and ensembles are also open to those who just want to have some fun making music and have the opportunity to be the change they want to see within their community.

DISCLAIMER:  To ensure we are providing the best services and experience we can, anyone interested in joining our ensembles – no matter what age or level of ability or disability – must be evaluated and assessed for current level of overall functioning, social and behavioral skills necessary for group participation, and musicality (among other things).  Note: while no musical skill or previous musical experience is necessary for participation, it is helpful to know what level of musical ability does exist.  This assessment provides an overall view of how well the participant will function within the ensemble, and will help to plan accordingly based on strengths and needs.  No exceptions to this will be made for any reason; the ethics of our profession dictates that all individuals are to be assessed before beginning any work.  This assessment is also vitally important for the safety and success of all participants and the ensemble.

G^sus Harmonies Nonprofit offers a few opportunities for making music to our participants with our:

G^sus Harmonies Chimers: The annual fee for participation is $50 per season or $200 per year. Participation in this group is limited to those with special needs (intellectually and/or developmentally disabled).  For therapeutic purposes the chime groups are limited to 20 individuals per group.  Participants of the chiming group must:

• be able to follow basic instructions,
• be able to exhibit basic control of their body,
• be able to exhibit basic control of their focus and attention (duration of a minimum of 4 minutes per activity),
• have functional use of at least one arm,
• be able to hold objects with a closed fist (duration of holds varies from 6 – 10 minutes per activity),
• be able to remain relatively still upon request,
• be able to remain quiet upon request,
• be able to provide their own transportation,
• and like music.

Precautions for any medical/health impairment will be taken so as not to minimize an individuals’ ability to participate. Participants must be evaluated. 

G^sus Harmonies Joyful Noise Community Chorus: The annual fee for participation is $50 per season or $200 per year. Participation in the chorus is open to those who would like to make a joyful noise.  For therapeutic purposes the chorus is limited to 50 individuals. Participation in this group is not based upon previous choral experience or music sight-reading abilities.  Participants of the community chorus must:

• be able to follow basic instructions,
• be able to exhibit basic control of their body,
• be able to exhibit basic control of their focus and attention (duration of a minimum of 4 minutes per activity),
• have functional use of at least one arm,
• be able to hold objects with a closed fist (duration of holds varies from 6 – 10 minutes per activity),
• be able to remain relatively still upon request,
• be able to remain quiet upon request,
• be able to provide their own transportation,
• and like music.
  

Precautions for any medical/health impairment will be taken so as not to minimize an individuals’ ability to participate. Participants must be evaluated.

All fees received from participants are used to cover the cost of rehearsal and performance facility rentals, annual fees to ASCAP and BMI for music performance rights, uniforms for performances (dress shirts and ties), sheet music and/or lyric sheets, copies, music binders and pencils, G^sus t-shirts, G^sus accompanist salary, music equipment, instruments, acquisition, maintenance, and repair.

G^sus Harmonies Nonprofit also offers a few opportunities to be part of the experience to our music making participants with our:

G^sus Harmonies Shadows: Shadows are a key part to the functioning of our programs. To be a shadow is a volunteer position. The role of a shadow is to assist the individuals with special needs in the execution of cues and other tasks given in their role as ensemble performers. Anyone desiring to shadow will need to be trained in the position; and also :

• mature,
• reliable,
• able to faithfully attend rehearsals and performances,
• able to provide their own transportation,
• be willing to sign a confidentiality/non-disclosure form,
• and like music.

G^sus Harmonies Community Music Makers: Community Music Makers are a key part to the functioning of our programs. To be a Community Music Maker is a volunteer position.  The role of a Music Maker is to be the band and/or orchestra that accompanies for our chiming and choral ensembles.  Anyone interested in being a Music Maker will need to be:

• mature,
• reliable,
• able to faithfully attend rehearsals and performances,
• able to provide their own transportation,
• have their own instrument,
• willing to sign a confidentiality/non-disclosure form,
• proficient with their musical skills and knowledge (i.e. sight-reading, counting, beat independence),
• and like music.

G^sus Harmonies Supporters/Partners:

As a nonprofit organization, G^sus Harmonies relies on charitable donations from the community, individual community members, and funds raised through fundraising projects and donated to our scholarship fund to provide for all of our needs. Currently G^sus Harmonies Nonprofit is fundraising for specialized equipment for individuals within our ensembles to use.  Our goal is $30,000.  These funds will allow us to increase the size of our ensembles so more individuals can be reached.

We are also always accepting new or gently used musical instruments that can be used by music therapy clients throughout the course of treatment. Every little bit helps and there is no charitable donation minimum amount.

If you would like to make a donation to G^sus Harmonies Nonprofit, or if you would like additional information, please feel free to contact us at 512.754.9631 or email us at gsus.harmoniesnonprofit@gmail.com.  One of our music therapists will be happy to assist you.

Thank You immensely for your interest and support.  We could not do what we do without you.

The G^sus Harmonies Nonprofit Family