Enriching lives through participation in music
Music Therapy Services of West Music
TeenReach Choir Concert
06/01/22
On May 19, 2022, the TeenReach Choir presented their first concert since before the COVID-19 shutdown. This was a celebratory time for the participants to share the music they have been working on and spread hope as we look toward the future. The choir members shared songs that make them happy, ranging from Disney classics, to modern K-pop, to Beatles standards. Participants sang enthusiastically, played a variety of instruments, and took pride in the music they shared with the audience.
The TeenReach choir has existed for over 10 years, starting in 2011 with director Rosemary Reisberg. The choir was formed to create a safe and joyful space for music-making among teens and young adults with disabilities. No experience or musical expertise is required, and participants are encouraged to engage with the music in the manner that works best for them.
Over the past decade, the choir members have formed strong bonds and friendships, and fostered a love of music.
When the world faced the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, the TeenReach choir was no longer able to meet in person. We quickly transitioned to a virtual model, offering weekly sing-alongs during which choir members could see their friends and have a musical outlet. During a time of isolation and uncertainty, these sing-alongs provided much-needed social support and boosted the spirits of the participants.
However, nothing can quite replace the experience of being in the same room together; of hearing each other’s voices while singing and watching participants’ faces light up when seeing their friends.
We were thrilled to return to in-person gathering for a few weeks in December 2021 for a holiday sing-along. Then, in 2022, the choir was finally able to rehearse for a full 10-week session and work towards a concert.
Thursday night’s concert was the culmination of creativity, flexibility, and enthusiasm over the past weeks. This started prior to the first rehearsal, when participants were given the opportunity to select a song that they would like to sing or be featured on. These songs were then adapted to include a variety of musical elements. For example, “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” featured an instrumental rainstorm using various percussion instruments, “Twist and Shout” featured a keyboard solo, and multiple well-known songs featured call-and-response sections between a soloist and the rest of the choir. Every member was given their moment to shine, and they certainly rose to the occasion. We hope that many more TeenReach concerts are in our future!
