ODA Students and Art Alliance Bring the Power of Music to Children with Autism

At Gulf Coast Music Therapy in Bradenton, ODA junior Jules Whittemore ’26 leads a group of six Upper School volunteers who are helping children with autism discover the joy and connection of music. Inspired by her brother’s own journey with music therapy, Jules launched the initiative to give back—and quickly found support from both students and the ODA Art Alliance Board.

In October, the Art Alliance donated three percussion instruments—a cajon, glockenspiel, and gathering drum—to enhance the clinic’s sensory and interactive experiences. “You can feel the music in a different way that’s good for sensory engagement,” said Virginia Bibler, founder of Gulf Coast Music Therapy.

ODA Director of Arts Erick Crow praised Jules’ leadership and the students’ commitment: “Student advocacy like this opens another door. Getting more kids thinking about music therapy as a career opportunity gets me excited.”

Together, ODA students and parents are building community through creativity, compassion, and the universal language of music.

Read the full story in the Observer.