AISD, United Sound to Launch Mentoring Music Program for Students With Special Needs
Photo Credit: United Sound
The Arlington ISD is creating a peer-mentoring program where high school students with special needs will learn to play musical instruments in an after-school club atmosphere. The unique program, in partnership with United Sound, is the first of its type in the state of Texas.
The program will pilot at Arlington High School. Approximately eight students with special needs and 24 orchestra peers will meet once per week in an after-school club setting to begin learning how to play musical instruments. The program will culminate in a public concert performance.
'We feel that this will be a fantastic program and opportunity for our students, ' AISD Director of Fine Arts Dr. Jeremy Earnhart said. 'Partnering with United Sound will help us more fully realize our mission and vision by providing even greater student access to instrumental music education. '
The AISD continues to be a leader and innovator in fine arts education. Secondary band and orchestra participation is up 16 percent since 2013-2014, which coincides with the district eliminating instrument fees and also using Bond 2014 funds to purchase new instruments.
United Sound is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide musical performance experiences for students with special needs through peer mentorship. The United Sound program, only two years old, piloted with six programs but will expand to 30 programs this year.
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