education
Education provides women with the opportunity to learn about themselves and the world around them through activities designed to challenge and broaden their perspectives.
In current event discussion groups, women read and discuss items of popular interest. Computer instruction and support to e-mail friends and family is conducted one-on-one and is designed to meet the needs of the individual. Journal writing encourages women to express themselves freely. Money and cooking classes teach valuable skills by combining classroom instruction with hands-on experience.
The Riverbrook Music Program
Riverbrook hosts a unique music program directed by pianist Jessica Roemischer. Through Jessica's approach to piano improvisation, women with Down's syndrome, autism or blindness are transcending the limitations of their disabilities. Through their music, the women of Riverbrook are confirming that beauty lies at the deepest level of being - it exists unfettered by any developmental disability.
Special Fundraising Event! Riverbrook Piano-Improv-a-thon, June 28th, 2009
On Sunday June 28th, Riverbrook hosted its first "Piano Improv-a-thon." Participants, ages 5 to 85, girls and boys, men and women, joined the Riverbrook women in a special, fundraising musical event. Each participant improvised in duet with Jessica Roemischer, who makes it possible for anyone to create music of striking beauty, even if they have never before played an instrument! You can still donate to the Riverbrook "Piano Improv-a-thon," which is a fundraiser for the Riverbrook music program. Music is not only giving these women a vital means of self-expression, but is inspiring others throughout the community and beyond. Donations are tax-deductible. DONATE NOW >
Read this blog post about the Riverbrook Piano Improv-a-thon, complete with audio recordings and photos from the event! These videos show what's happening in the Riverbrook Music Program!
Flying Free: Music without Limits
This video is taken from a performance on December 7th, 2008 called, "Flying Free: Music without Limits." It features improvised and semi-improvised piano duets with the Riverbrook women and Jessica Roemischer. "Flying Free" was jointly sponsored by the Boston Symphony Orchestra's Community Education Program, the internationally acclaimed theater company, Shakespeare and Co. and Miss Hall's School. The event was supported by a grant from Caroline and James Taylor.