“Use what talents you possess: the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.” Henry Van Dyke
I am delighted ACDA has taken the position of encouraging choirs for all; all ages and all abilities. I have a very good reason for being happy because I have an interest in special population choirs, a very special interest. I am the mother of a wonderful, happy son, Russell, who has autism, a developmental disability. In my professional life, most don’t know my situation and when it does come out, it is a shock. My views about those with disabilities and the fine arts are not so revolutionary but are different from what many would expect.
I have seen folks with disabilities give performances that are nuanced and passionate and have moved me beyond what I expected to feel. These were far from perfect but watching people who are not supposed to understand subtext give surprisingly complicated performances inspires me to look deeper at this population.
If we want those with different abilities to become full members of our communities, all avenues have to be open to them, even the artistic ones. But just like everyone else, people with disabilities have their own tastes. Russell’s love for his CD of Luciano Pavarotti singing with Sting and Zucchero (an Italian pop star) may not be your cup of tea but Russ loves it! Sometimes we forget these are people with likes and dislikes and talents and an inner life we may not understand. We get caught up with other things, which may or may not be more important, but we forget. Art and music touch our inner self; reach us on levels deeper and richer than everyday life. Why can’t the arts reach these children and adults at those same levels?
My autistic son is artistic. It sounds funny, I know, but he is. At 12 months of age, he could match pitches, something that is difficult for most children under the age of 6 or 7 years to do. He loves music, of all sorts, and has quite a collection of CDs. He enjoys movies, mostly Disney, but has a sense of what he likes and plays those over and over again. Russ has perfect pitch, as does one of his brothers. Years ago, at a youth symphony concert, Russell was sitting with us as the high school group tuned and tuned…and tuned. He started to hum–his brother, Ben, looked me dead in the eye and said, “he’s humming the pitch they’re trying to tune to, Mom!” He loves to listen to our piano tuner tune our grand–and will hum pitches that should be, before they’re tuned. One tuner told me he hates people with perfect pitch–I told him not to hate Russ, it’s the only thing he can do. You see, Russell is not able to speak and his humming of pitches is the only way he has ever communicated with any sense of purpose or understanding.
Why shouldn’t Russell be artistic and musical? His mother and brothers are musicians, as well as a grandmother, a great-grandmother and an uncle. His grandfather was a nationally known dancer and ballet master. His father is a music lover and played music in our home from the time he was in the womb and beyond. Just because he is disabled doesn’t cancel out his heritage. He is a person, not a disability, and his artistic bent is separate from his autism.
Someone asked me a few years ago if I could tolerate those with less ability singing in my choirs. It was an odd question and this person did not know my background, especially since I think I am a better person, teacher and yes, conductor, because of Russell. I have had to look past certain things and be creative in my solutions and hope I come across as tolerant and supportive rather than too quick to judge. I have had to love unconditionally. It was then I remembered the quote of Henry van Dyke. Everyone should be able to participate in the arts, whatever their level, whatever their interests and I am happy ACDA realizes that. Our world is enriched because of the participation of those with challenges. It would indeed be a very silent wood if they weren’t encouraged.
Joanie says
Marie thank you for the wonderful articles! I am also a musician, music teacher, and mother of a 21 year old son with autism, who, like your son, is an amazing singer, sang before he spoke, and an incredible artist. So like you, in both my home life and in my teaching I am very aware of creating inclusive communities. To that end I have begun offering disability-awareness concerts and conversations….I think we will begin to change people’s misunderstandings about autism and personhood the more we share the reality of the beauty of diversity instead of conformism!
Marie Grass Amenta says
I would love to know more about your disability awareness concerts.
A college in our area (North Central) used to have Autism Concerts, given by their wind ensemble. They were totally autism-friendly and the kids could just be kids with autism, with no restrictions. I don’t know if they are doing them any more.
Thank you for your comments!
Steven Szalaj says
As a parent, I did not have children with special needs; through teaching in public schools I did gain some background and experience in this area. In recent years, I have had the privilege to serve as director of a special needs choir. I also have several private voice and piano students on the autism spectrum. This has been nothing short of a life-changing, career enriching experience. I am constantly reminded of the great joy and power in music, and how music goes to the very core of our human experience. There is so much to say here. For my entire career, I’ve held the belief that many do: “Music – singing – choral music – is for everyone.” When I was called to serve (and start) the special needs choir, there was a very strong voice inside that said, “If you believe it, here is your opportunity to live it.” As I ventured into this path, it was scary at first – so many unknowns and seemingly insurmountable obstacles, especially since I had little personal experience with special needs. This journey for me, has meant a re-orientation of my perspective as teacher and conductor. I echo what others have said: I am a better teacher & conductor (and human being!) for having this experience. I would encourage anyone to seize the moment when an opportunity like this arises, or create an opportunity like this.
Marie Grass Amenta says
We appreciate all you do, Steve, for this population. The (choral) world is a better place with you in it!
J. Senja Morgan says
I teach many individual students in piano and voice lessons who have Autism, and also have a teenage son who was born with Down syndrome. Being a special needs music teacher has enriched me so much and I feel so very blessed having the privilege to make music with these artistic students!
Marie Grass Amenta says
Thank you so much for your comments. Our Kids need more folks like you in their lives!