Office of Speaker Dennis M. O’Brien
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
139 Main Capitol Building, Harrisburg
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:
Jeanne H. Schmedlen
Speaker O’Brien ‘Bangs the Drum for Autism’ to Launch April as Autism Awareness Month
HARRISBURG, April 2 — Continuing his advocacy for people on the autism spectrum, House Speaker Dennis M. O’Brien hosted an event here today to celebrate Autism Awareness Month.
“Autism is a serious disorder that needs our attention. Often, those who are affected cannot speak for themselves, so why not engage people with big loud drums?” said O’Brien of his newest endeavor to raise awareness of the increasing number of those living with autism.
Joining a group of drummers to literally make some noise for autism, O’Brien launched “Bang the Drum for Autism,” a campaign in which he is challenging percussionists far and wide to use their thunderous talent to make the public more aware of the growing autism crisis.
The Red Land Marching Patriots and Cedar Cliff Colts Marching Band Drumline, a group of talented young musical ambassadors, started the “Bang the Drum” campaign by playing an original drum cadence for the event.
O’Brien’s nephew, Chris Maurer, who has been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, joined in performing the drum cadence.
“Drums have been used throughout history in just the same way these students are using them today,” O’Brien said. “In ancient civilizations, they were the telephone and the newspaper. If you wanted to know what was going on, you had to listen to the drums. As recently as the Civil War it was the drum that mobilized our troops and told them how and when to advance into battle.
“In modern times, there is so much news available to us that we can’t always hear what’s happening to our own friends and neighbors. But these students know the power of the drum! They are telling us the news of the day.and calling us to a battle we must fight,” he said.
“Today, I raise my drumsticks to challenge all drum lines, performers of all ages and types, to continue what we started today. Join with us to ‘Bang the Drum for Autism.’”
The event was produced by Chris Previc who created the cadence and practiced it with the musicians.
O’Brien also welcomed 11 promising young people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders who served as guest pages in the House of Representatives for the day. During their visit they observed proceedings on the House floor, made deliveries and took a tour of the Capitol. For their work they received certificates from O’Brien.
The Cedar Cliff High School drumline is under the direction of Ben Goldsborough and the Red Land High School drumline is under the direction of Robert Starrett. They are ambassadors of music who will represent Pennsylvania and the United States later this year when the West Shore combined Red Land Marching Patriots and Cedar Cliff Colts Marching Band travels to China for the "Olympic International Youth Festival 2008,” a prelude to the Olympic Games. To learn more about the trip go to www.redlandmusicboosters.com.
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