Parents and family members recently gathered in the ILC at Heritage Elementary to celebrate the winter season with their students at a special concert, with a little help from Mountain Sound Music Therapy. The program was brought to life by special education teachers Nicole Lee and Nicole Johnson.
“Music has the power to connect with people from all backgrounds and experiences,” said Nicole Lee. “We wanted a way for our students to enjoy music in a way that they can access and would let us be flexible with our students’ needs.”
ILCs are classrooms that support students in special education. This year, a Medicaid grant allowed Mountain Sound Music Therapy to bring weekly music experiences to the students. The students practice with different instruments, hand movements, and scarves and end each session with an “open mic” showcase. Each student chooses a song to sing, with some students making up original songs in the moment.
“Giving students a choice and voice in their education is important no matter where a student is on their journey,” said Nicole Johnson. “We have students who can be shy or aren’t as easily engaged in learning, but this program has given them a chance to express themselves and learn in a really positive way.”
Johnson and Lee said that one of the best parts of working with students in special education is making the connections with students and their families and seeing them grow over the years.
“We have the best kids, who are also the most impacted,” said Johnson. “The opportunity to make a difference is real, especially when we see our students grow in confidence and really begin to shine.”
Posted 12/19/23.
