Jacob Velazquez, 8, Performs for Autism Awareness
Space Coast Symphony Orchestra presents 8-year old piano sensation in two Brevard concerts
(Melbourne/Cocoa Beach, FL) April 18, 2016 – Jacob Velazquez is an 8-year old little boy with autism. Diagnosed with PDDNOS (high functioning autism) at the age of four, Jacob was admitted to the National Musicians Guild just a year later, after flawlessly performing ten classical pieces from memory. The charming young prodigy from Miami has appeared on Good Morning America, The View, The Steve Harvey Show, CNN, HLN, Telemundo & many more. The young pianist will perform for Space Coast audiences in two free recitals sponsored by the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra on April 30 and May 1. On Saturday evening, April 30th at 7:00 PM, Jacob will perform at the Gleason Performing Arts Center at Florida Institute of Technology, 150 W. University Boulevard in Melbourne, 32901. The following afternoon, Sunday, May 1 at 3:30 PM, Jacob will perform at Riverside Presbyterian Church, located at 3400 N Atlantic Ave (A1A) in Cocoa Beach, 32931. Proceeds from the pair of special free recitals will be donated to The Scott Center for Autism Treatment at Florida Institute of Technology and Autism Speaks. To reserve a free ticket to either concert, call toll free to 855-252-7276 or visit www.SpaceCoastSymphony.org.
Conductor and Artistic Director of the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra, Aaron Collins, looks forward to welcoming Jacob to Brevard County and raising awareness for autism.
“April is national autism awareness month,” said Collins. “And what better way to close out the month than to let the immense talent of one small boy demonstrate the untapped potential within so many kids with autism.”
Jacob Velazquez has just released his first album entitled, Jacob and has filmed two music videos. He came to came to the attention of pop superstar, Taylor Swift, after performing a medley of seven songs from her recent album. Jacob’s dream is to one day perform on stage with Ms. Swift.
VIDEO LINK: Reflections of Passion, by Jacob Velazquez: https://youtu.be/NGvDuH15SxA
ABOUT JACOB VELAZQUEZ: Jacob Velazquez is an 8-year old pianist with PDDNOS (high functioning autism). He was born on September 29th, 2007. He began taking lessons at the age of four and that’s proved just long enough for the miniature musician to make waves in the child prodigy world. Jacob has since performed on Good Morning America, The View, CNN, HLN, The Steve Harvey Show, Telemundo, and many more. At just five years old, Jacob was admitted to the National Musicians Guild, after performing ten classical pieces from memory.
Jacob recently caught the attention of singer Taylor Swift, who invited him to a show on her tour, after he played a piano medley of seven songs from her most recent album. Jacob dreams of performing on stage with her one day.
Jacob has also just released his first album entitled “Jacob” and has filmed two music videos. He loves being in the recording studio and although he is only in 2nd grade, Jacob already knows he wants to be a music producer. For more information on Jacob, visit www.jacobvelazquez.com
ABOUT THE SCOTT CENTER FOR AUTISM TREATMENT: Edward and Cheryl Scott, decided to fund the creation of the Scott Center for Autism Treatment at the Florida Institute of Technology in 2009 as a result of their experience with their son. Former U.S. Representative Dave Weldon was also a key partner in the creation of the Scott Center, securing funds from the Health Resources and Services Administration. Today, the Scott Center for Autism Treatment pursues a three-fold mission of clinical service, research and training. Parents and children from around the world now come to the Scott Center for the most advanced treatment methods available.
As an integrated component of Florida Tech’s School of Psychology and Applied Behavior, graduate students receive state–of-the-art training and supervision from doctoral level faculty. This prepares them for a future as professionals to continue the work to improve the lives of individuals and their families. The Scott Center is ranked among the best in the world for its research contributions to the field of behavior analysis.
The Scott Center for Autism Treatment is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt, not-for-profit organization that provides children, youth and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and provides a full-range of evaluation and services, from diagnosis to intensive treatment. For more information about The Scott Center for Autism Treatment at Florida Institute of Technology, visit https://www.thescottcenter.org/
ABOUT AUTISM SPEAKS: Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Bob and Suzanne Wright, grandparents of a child with autism. Their longtime friend Bernie Marcus donated $25 million to help financially launch the organization. Since then, Autism Speaks has grown into the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. More about Autism Speaks is available on their website at https://www.autismspeaks.org/
ABOUT THE SPACE COAST SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA— The SCSO is a lively and passionate Central Florida orchestra comprised of professional musicians, music educators and mentored amateurs of exceptional ability. The Orchestra was formed by Conductor and Artistic Director Aaron T. Collins with a two-fold mission: to provide mentoring and performance opportunities for Florida’s finest young musicians as well as to provide professional concerts at genuinely affordable prices. The ultimate goal of the organization is to help ensure the symphonic tradition for the enjoyment of future generations.
33- year old Aaron T. Collins is garnering recognition for his achievements. LEAD Brevard named the ambitious Collins one of their “4 under 40” Young Professionals, the youngest-ever recipient of the honor. Space Coast Businessmagazine listed him as one of Brevard’s “100 Most Admired Businesspeople.” And Collins has won the Richard A. Stark Award for cultural leadership from the Cultural Council of Indian River County. Through his personal involvement with more than a dozen performing arts groups, pioneering reciprocal ad program and social media cross promotions, Collins has gained a reputation for generosity; championing other arts organizations throughout Central Florida for the cultural enrichment of the community.
The Space Coast Symphony Orchestra performs in several very comfortable venues in Brevard and Indian River counties, with advance general admission tickets priced at just $20. School-aged children 18 years and under are admitted free of charge, as are college students with a valid ID. In keeping with their mission, the symphony provides a unique Symphony for Everyone ticketing program, a “pay-what-you-can” option designed to provide substantially discounted admission to any Space Coast Symphony concert.
Relying on a non-traditional orchestra model and a slim budget, the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra is one of only 17 U.S. orchestras to perform year-round. In addition to maintaining the Space Coast Symphony JAZZ Orchestra and Space Coast Symphony Wind Orchestra, the non-profit organization provides numerous separate and free ensemble performances. More information about the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra’s upcoming concerts, ticket sales, venues, directions and sponsorship opportunities is available at www.SpaceCoastSymphony.org by calling toll free (855) 252-7276.
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