Inspiration may be a form of super-consciousness, or perhaps of subconsciousness I wouldn't know. But I am sure it is the antithesis of self-consciousness.
- Aaron Copland
Aaron Copland -the pioneer of "American" music- was a composer whose works ranged in style from jazz influenced to classical modernist. Born at the beginning of the 20th century, when Americans were rarely recognized as composers by their European peers, he became widely known when he produced a series of ballets. Beginning with
Billy the Kid (a ballet about a legendary western outlaw, complete with cowboy songs, commissioned in 1938 by Kirstein for Eugene Loring), and then continuing with the musically influential
Rodeo (another Wild West ballet, about a cowgirl's search for a man) and
Appalachian Spring (commissioned by the choreographer Martha Graham). At that point, as one of the most famous and popular American composers of all time, Copland composed
A Lincoln Portrait for the Cincinnati Symphony, and then he created the noble
Fanfare for the Common Man, for the same orchestra. Copland also scored for films, including documentaries and versions of plays by Wilder, Steinbeck and others, and his fine classical ear lended itself to "popularizing" full orchestra versions of cowboy songs with the Americana spirit which provided a backdrop for director Spike Lee's film
He Got Game. You may be familiar with the version of Copland's
Hoe Down piece which is used in commercials produced for TV.
Topic:
SNOEZELEN
Multisensory Stimulation Techniques
SNOEZELEN was originally developed in the Netherlands over twenty years ago, and through the pioneering efforts of professionals in the fields of health, education, and social-science has now been established as a sound therapeutic and educational approach to providing benefits for a variety of populations, including those with special needs, learning disabilities, dementia, or chronic pain.
Specific benefits have been identified for the following Particular Conditions:
Children with Special Needs -
In educational settings, SNOEZELEN rooms are being used as "neutral territory", where relationships can be established away from the stress of the classroom. At Addlington School in Reading, England, teaching staff find their sensory room an "invaluable resource…useful or a wide range of ages and abilities and a varied curriculum". A 1994 German study concluded, "SNOEZELEN causes an increase in motivation to succeed and an improvement in concentration and coordination."
Developmental Disability -
Multisensory stimulation has been one of the most common and successful approaches to learning disability for some time, especially since it was established that sensory work has an impact in the educational, as well as, the therapeutic arena. SNOEZELEN is being used in practice as a means of nonverbal communication as a setting for relaxation and self-healing and to provide stimulation for those who would otherwise be almost impossible to reach.
Mental Health -
The relaxed, calming atmosphere or SNOEZELEN provides an ideal situation for the development of therapeutic relationships. As they experience the deep relaxation of SNOEZELEN, people suffering from tension, depression, or anxiety can open up to discuss feelings. This effect occurs while in the SNOEZELEN environment, but also continues for the rest of the day.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder -
SNOEZELEN is used to provide a "safe place" where children traumatized by violence, sexual abuse, or the effects of war can begin to communicate, regain confidence, and rebuild trusting relationships. Additional research has shown the capacity of SNOEZELEN to induce deep relaxation and improve sleep patterns in critically ill children.
Autism -
SNOEZELEN has been found to be equally effective in working with people with autism or autistic characteristics. Research carried out in Brussels compared the behavior of nine adult clients with profound autism in both classroom and SNOEZELEN settings. Though individual results varied, the group results showed a fifty percent reduction in distress and stereotypical behavior, and seventy-five percent less aggression and self-injury in the SNOEZELEN environment.
Pain Control -
Recently, caregivers have been turning to SNOEZELEN to provide relief from acute and chronic pain, and to help women relax, remain calm and focused during labor. Early observations indicate that the SNOEZELEN environment offers distraction from pain, a "rehumanizing" effect due to deep relaxation, and all the benefits of leisure which might not otherwise be available to pain sufferers.
Stroke, and Traumatic Brain Injury -
The University Hospital of Ghent, Belgium found that the unique flexibility of SNOEZELEN produces excellent results. Here, therapists work one-on-one with young adults who have suffered severe brain damage through injury or stroke. The same SNOEZELEN equipment that stimulates passive individuals can also soothe those prone to agitation. SNOEZELEN allows the hospital to offer its patients a complete therapy package, addressing both gross-motor competencies and emotional needs, with the goal of moving each person toward the highest possible functional level. Practitioners throughout Europe have been using this multilevel approach with documented, positive results.
A Sampling of SNOEZELEN
- Interactive Sound and Light Wall
- Revolving Mirror Ball
- Aromatherapy
- Colored Light Spray
