It's Not Only Rock `N' Roll: A Model Of Inclusive Programming - Special Music by Special People program

Parks & Recreation, March, 1999 by Emery J. Yost

We are the music-makers, And we are the dreamers of dreams, Wandering by Lone sea-breakers, And sitting by desolate streams.

-- Arthur O'Shaughnessy

Welcome to the Show

Come with me to experience something totally different, as the world of music and therapeutic recreation combine into an alluring symphony. The venue is a music hall, which last night hosted John Entwistle (former bassist of the Who.) A few days earlier, the stage was graced by pop music sensations the Wallflowers. Tonight, however, the hall hosts something truly unique, a musical act that exhibits diversity in synchronicity, a high-performance team that calls itself the Special Music by Special People All Star Band.

The group is backstage. Guitarists are tuning up, drummers are clutching sticks, horn players are tweaking reeds and warming up mouthpieces. As costumes are being adjusted, performers of all ages and backgrounds are preparing. The sound and light technicians take their places; stagehands scramble to make their final adjustments. A well-known local radio station personality takes the stage to commence the evening's events. "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. How is everyone doing out there? My, we have a treat in store for you tonight! In just a few moments, the Special Musicians will be taking this very stage. First, I want to tell you about their CD entitled What's For Lunch! It has 12 original songs, which feature the Welles Park Special Musicians. Tonight we are going to celebrate the release of their new album."

The crowd roars with applause; anticipation is in the air. "Are you ready for the Special Musicians?" asks the emcee. At that very moment, the band kicks into a rock 'n' roll groove, and Ryan Tarvin and his fellow musicians take over the stage.

The crowd is roaring and singing along with the lyrics of the song, which were designed to help Ryan improve his diction and voice projection, allowing him to reach his potential to communicate to the world around him.

"I say `ice cream,' you scream. I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream. Yeah? At this point in each verse of the song, the band and the entire house become completely silent for one beat of music, allowing Ryan's talent to shine through. He belts out a Ray Charles-esque "Uh-huh."

Upon completion of the song, the entire band and audience erupt with screams and applause. His fellow musicians shout, "Yeah, Ryan!" exhibiting support and true team spirit. Ryan fires off a thumbs-up.

Looking out from the stage, one can catch a glimpse of Sandy, Ryan's mother, who is choking on tears. The emotion appears to be contagious. It becomes obvious that this is no ordinary rock band; this is the Special Music by Special People All Star Band.

Shooting Stars

Throughout his life, Ryan has faced verbal and linguistic challenges. His mom, his friends, his teachers never imagined he would someday be singing with a rock band, or that his voice would be highlighted on compact discs. This is why the tears of joy flow.

"I never imagined my son John would be famous," exclaims Gloria, the mother of a 28-year-old young man with mental retardation. "But John is more famous than anyone in his family. John has no problem entertaining hundreds, even thousands of people with his singing and his original melodies.

"He's on TV, in newspapers, and on the radio, and he's appearing on some of the biggest and best stages in Chicago. His whole life is music! Every time you see him, he will be singing, humming, or rapping; this is his life. He has to be told to do other simple daily tasks like getting dressed or taking a shower. These and many other things he won't do on his own. But for music, as he empowers himself, his life takes on a new meaning. On performance days, he's excited, and he wants to be there.

"Two weeks ago, he awoke at five in the morning for a news-broadcast taping. If it were any other day, John would not have been getting his wardrobe together, jumping in the shower, and preparing himself for a shave -- especially not at five in the morning!

"When my son was born, I feared he would never walk, talk, read, or write. Every accomplishment John succeeds in yields a payoff tenfold that of a child who doesn't have a developmental disability. To see him integrate into society, interact, and communicate at the level he is today by being involved and engaged in this program is a miracle to me."

The Mission and Goals

Special Music by Special People gives musicians with developmental disabilities the opportunity to perform, compose, and record music. Based in Welles Park, the nonprofit organization was founded nine years ago by Joe Yost, music instructor for the Chicago Park District. The Welles Park Special Musicians is a group of children, teens, and adults, most of whom are afflicted with Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, or emotional or behavioral disorders.

Through the processes of recording, performing, and singing music, other skills are developed and enriched. Special Music by Special People strives to reach people who have not been previously exposed to music and arts programming but who could benefit from these types of activities.