A local nonprofit is organizing a concert on April 19 with high school students from Longmont area schools who are coming together to perform a concert experience centered around the theme of love.
Ascent Vocals is a nonprofit organization focused on providing accessible and inclusive music education and includes a special collaboration with the Mead High School Unified Percussion Ensemble, which comprises students with physical and intellectual disabilities.
The theme of love was chosen for its ability to connect with all people. With divisiveness in the world, Ascent Vocals aims to remind the audience that love is a commonality that unites everyone. The theme also allows the exploration of a wide range of music, developing an engaging and diverse selection for the performers.
“We have the classic Elvis piece, ‘Can't Help Falling in Love.’ The classics there, and then we're finishing with ‘This Is Me’ from ‘The Greatest Showman,’” said the president of Ascent Vocals, Nathan Wubbena. “That's the one we're doing in combination with Mead. That one goes on self-love, which is one of the most important forms of love, and loving yourself for who you are.”
The students have been practicing their songs once a week together since mid-January as well as putting in individual rehearsal time at home. Preparing for the concert is time-consuming, with students learning music that may not be easy to master. The Ascent Vocals group meets for two hours each week to cover the material needed for the performance.
The collaboration with the Mead High School Unified Percussion Ensemble further stresses the power of music to bring people together and create a sense of belonging. The biggest challenge faced by Abigail Koehler, director of the Mead High School Unified Percussion Ensemble, is that every student is different, and finding ways to bring them together on the same page can be difficult.
With the help of dedicated student mentors and paraprofessionals, the ensemble effectively addresses each student's individual needs, enabling them to learn music and technique while performing together as a cohesive group.
“We definitely see an impact where their musical skills are improving, both with the knowledge of music and in musical terms, their playing skill and their ability to play the correct rhythms and play in time, and with a steady beat,” Koehler said.
The Unified Percussion Ensemble has had the opportunity to perform with additional groups, such as the local New Orleans-style brass band Guerrilla Fanfare. In 2021, they performed together at a football game, showcasing the ensemble's talents.
Koehler said there is a palpable sense of joy in the music that the students in the Unified Percussion Ensemble learn and perform, and that students eagerly anticipate their time in the ensemble, excitedly discussing it throughout the day. As they perform, their enthusiasm and love for music tend to shine through for both performers and audience members.
“I've been really lucky to have some awesome colleagues who have helped me brainstorm,” Koehler said. “Our exceptional learning teacher, her name is Amber Vanzant, she's just incredible here at Mead, and so supportive of unified percussion. All the admin and our exceptional learning department are so supportive. It's a pretty awesome team.”
Four additional schools in the St. Vrain Valley district, Longmont High School, Frederick High School, Silver Creek High School and Skyline High School, have launched their own Unified Percussion Ensemble programs for the first time this academic year.
The Ascent Vocals "Love: Make the World Go Round" concert is set for April 19 at 7:30 p.m. at The Journey, located at 2000 Pike Road. Admission to the event is free, however, donations will be accepted.
