The Joyful Noise Foundation; An official 501-C3 non-profit!
Make a Joyful Noise!"Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness. Come into His presence with singing." Psalm 100:1-2
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As Miss Alabama’s Teen, I have been able to spend time in over 20 self-contained and inclusion classrooms to assist students with discovering the music within them. I’ve had the opportunity to volunteer with a number of organizations, including Ady’s Army/Ady’s Symphony, the Walk to End Epilepsy, and the Alabama Veterans Association. Thus far, these efforts have raised over $130,000 and counting and have allowed me to incorporate my goal of expanding awareness for music education and therapy in the special needs community. These efforts covered a myriad of activities and each of their impacts has made an impression on me and encourages me in what can continue to be accomplished with Joyful Noise. I personally raised over $10,000 by selling ornaments that I made, selling my book "Make Music With Joy", and by hosting the first annual Joyful Noise Talent Show. I have used this money to purchase instruments for students at a school for special needs. We are now able to use these instruments when I go to their school and teach music classes. I have been able to show the teachers at this school how to incorporate these instruments to use in a sensory room when I am not there to teach classes. Joyful Noise has not only impacted my community and state but has the potential to impact the entire nation!
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“Make a joyful noise…” This verse from Psalm 100 holds special meaning for me. As someone who was given the middle name Joy, I realize there is no better way to connect with and encourage people than through the power of music. Music is a universal language, speaking to individuals of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. It has the ability to ignite emotions, connect people, and foster healing. This is especially true for the special needs community and for those with disabilities. As someone who struggles with anxiety, I have seen the beneficial effects of music therapy in my own life. Through my program, Joyful Noise, I encourage people to come together through music and to benefit from its healing with no concerns about perfection or their level of skill.
I hope to partner with the Alabama Department of Education to incorporate music education with music therapy in all schools. 76% of schools in rural areas do not offer music education and this is unacceptable. I believe I have the passion it takes to fix this problem and am already doing what I can to make a difference. It is not just students with special needs that will benefit from this but also people who suffer with anxiety or depression. Joyful Noise has the ability to touch the hearts and lives not only of the participants but also each person who is fortunate enough to see and hear them perform and notice the joy it brings those in need of music therapy. Let the “noise” begin! |
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