Tag: Special Needs Arts Programs


Feb
2011

Thomas and Friends Connect through Song

categories: Arts & Fun, Community

closeup of Thomas Largy

This week I decided to attend a rehearsal for the Sing Along Singers, a chorus of the Special Needs Arts Programs (SNAP) and see firsthand what it was all about.

Simply put, it was wonderful.

While there, I spent some time with Thomas E. Largy, a member of the chorus whose enthusiasm was contagious. This week I share his thoughts on the chorus including friendships made, songs sung and the role music has played in his life.

Friendship through singing

“I first came to chorus a few years ago and only knew Marilyn Abel; she used to be my music teacher. Now I have friends from Lexington and Bedford. It is so nice here because we are all friends, we get along and we love to sing. I am enjoying it so much I come every week.”

Tom and I had arrived early to talk, but at this point, people started coming in and as friends do, they greeted each other warmly.picture of two men arriving

“We sing together but we also do other things like potluck suppers and sometimes we have pizza dinners. We have fun. These are my friends and we really care about each other. ”

A vast repertoire

As we began singing through their repertoire of songs, I was impressed by the wide range of music.

“I like the old classics like ‘I’ve Been Working on the Railroad’, but I also like to learn new songs. I listen to the radio that’s how I knew Dionne Warwick. But now I get to sing, ‘What the World Needs Now is Love’ with my friends, not just listen to the song on the radio by myself”.

Music makes an impact

“When you go places to sing, it gives people enjoyment. I love singing at the Youville Villas. Sometimes they listen and sometimes they sing. As long as they are happy, I’m happy”.

Tom then pulled out a spiral notebook and a keyboard he had brought with him.

“I like to write my own songs. I wrote a song with compassion because that means you care about people and that’s how I feel”.

He then began to sing me a song that he will perform in next week’s talent show, “I feel with my heart”.

And as I listened to the words, I realized through our common love for music, that Tom and his fellow chorus members had touched mine.

picture of Sue Crossley with Tom Largy


Feb
2011

Special Needs Arts Programs Share a Love for Singing

categories: Arts & Fun

Last week I shared my personal feelings about music and how it brings people together. This week I have the pleasure of introducing someone who agrees, and decided to do something about it.

Marilyn Abel was a special education teacher at Lexington High School and a professional musician when she first became aware of the need for her students to have a social life.

“We would come in on a Monday morning and talk about what we did on the weekend. All my students could share was a TV program they watched or the fact that they were home all weekend. They needed social activities outside of school, but there weren’t any for them.”

Marilyn knew something had to be done.

A Chorus Begins

Marilyn spoke with her close friend Judy Goldner, also a teacher and professional musician, and they decided to start a chorus.

In November 1982, the Special Needs Arts Programs (SNAP), formerly known as the Special Needs Arts Fund, began with the Sing Along Chorus. Today the chorus has 21 members and 4-5 high school volunteers that meet every Monday night.

Over the years, the programs expanded as additional needs were met.

In 1984 the Sing Along Singers began for older adults with approximately 30 participants still meeting every Wednesday night. For children, the Special Musicians was established in 1985 and continues today under the leadership of Andrew Gentzow, a certified music therapist.

But the thing is it isn’t just about the singing.

“The choruses have become such an important part of their lives; I never dreamed everyone would become so close, including the parents. Over the years when they drove their sons and daughters to chorus, the parents stayed and started their own support group. They are a family. We are a family.”

The Community Sings Along

Yet again, it didn’t stop there. Marilyn and Judy wanted the choruses to share their love of singing with others through community service.

“One of my favorite memories was when the choruses sang in the chapel at Youville, a senior citizen community in Lexington. When we started singing Jingle Bell Rock, some of the prim and proper ladies in the audience joined the choruses singing and dancing in the aisles. It was so heartwarming.”

After 29 years, Marilyn and Judy passed on their management role to Marsha Martin, the current director, in a seamless transition. Marsha’s energy and passion ensure a successful future.

If you or a person you know with a disability like to sing, check out the video SNAP has on their website at https://snapsing.org/video.php

I guarantee you will be singing along in no time.