To the Editor:

Music is the universal language of mankind. – Poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Families United in Newtown (F.U.N.), a community recreational program for families in our area with special needs children (created in memory of Tyler Jones), sponsored an afternoon of music as a community service project on Sunday, January 3, 2016.  Musicians often claim that with music you can communicate across cultural and linguistic boundaries in ways that you cannot do with ordinary language.  Music frequently has the power to evoke deep primal feelings at the core of the shared human experience.  Music is frequently used to bridge communication issues in children and adults with special needs and communication challenges as we did with Tyler.

The magical musical event on Sunday did evoke significant emotion in the more than 150 attendees, as tears were shed during several of the scores. The dream team offered their amazing talents to the community, free of charge, to provide a gift of entertainment that supports peace, love and hope as we enter into this New Year.  Many of the accomplished musicians have played together in the past at Newtown High School, Western Connecticut State University, Suzuki Talent Education School, the annual Autism Awareness Benefit Concert and some met for the first time during this experience.

What a special group of individuals, woven together like a fine fabric from similar paths and pasts that were able to perform classical as well as contemporary tunes for an excited crowd.   Ten accomplished musicians exquisitely sang or played music from their soul on six different types of instruments.

Thanks are extended to Aimee Alexander,  on the trumpet;  Madi Aug,  vocalist;  Brendon Fox, vocalist and guitar; Amanda Goodman,  vocalist; Austin Jones,  pianist; Lindsey Jones, violinist; Andy Lafreniere,   guitarist; Miles Massicotte,  pianist and musical director; Mark Swigart,  flutist;  Hafez  Tachavi,  violinist; and Brittany Watson,  vocalist. The program was a huge success because of the sup-port from these unique and talented artists.

Many thanks to Miles Massicotte - the most amazing musical director and musician ever; Pastor Mel from the Newtown United Methodist Church for being the master of ceremonies; the United Methodist Church for providing a beautiful space and marketing; Southbury Printers for making beautiful posters; The Newtown Bee for publicity ; Jessica Lyons (West Harford, CT)  for making us a beautiful and delicious spread of food;  Lisa Bell (Bee Sweet Confections, Newtown) for making a fabulous cake and taking photos; and last but not least –  the outstanding audience that graciously supported the event with a standing ovation!

Mark your calendars for F.U.N.’s fourth Annual Autism Benefit Concert, May 7, 2016 at the Newtown Congregational Church.

Duane and Linda Jones

Founders of F.U.N.,

in memory of their son, Tyler

16 Walnut Tree Hill Road, Sandy Hook     January 6, 2016