On Tuesday, Nov. 17, the Music Therapy Student Association at CSU spent their weekly meeting with CSU’s chapter of the Best Buddies International program.

According to the organization’s website, Best Buddies International is a non-profit dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that provides opportunities for one-to-one friendship, leadership development and integrated employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

The hour was spent playing music, singing, and composing with members and volunteers from CSU’s Best Buddies Colleges group.

In preparation for the evening, members of the Music Therapy Student Association (MTSA), with leadership from therapy practicum students, were asked to bring a song or two that could be used as exercises with the group of young adults and high schoolers. Some favorites included "Shake it Off," "What Makes You Beautiful," "In the Jungle," and "Twist and Shout," with the highlight being "Watch Me Whip!"

"MTSA was so excited to be invited to play music with Best Buddies,” said Amanda Sciarabba, MTSA president and CSU Music Therapy major (pictured in the slide show with her guitar). “The evening provided the members of Best Buddies with the opportunity to try new instruments they may not have played before, as well as sing and dance with friends!”

Scriarabba appreciates the opportunities both MTSA and practicum provide to practice clinical skills as students work toward becoming music therapists. “It was a great way for MTSA students to gain more experience playing music and facilitating larger groups.”

“MTSA had a ton of fun and we can't wait to hang out with Best Buddies again," she added!