Testimonials

Volunteers

Max Monahan

"I started Special Musicians on the spring kickoff this year and have been going ever since. Going into it, there were plenty of nerves but even within the first week, this became the highlight of week. Whether you are a musician or a volunteer, Special Musicians brings inclusivity, light, and love to your day and quite frankly your life. This special place teaches both the musicians and volunteers amazing and beautiful ideas of loving others and unification while still being able to have SO MUCH fun as one big family who loves one another, has dance parties, and plays some bomb music." 

Image Description: Shaylie (far left), Max (middle left), Emma (middle), Gabby (middle right), and Erika (far right) line up for a quick picture prior to session starting. Shaylie has short brown hair and is wearing black glasses, a black and white striped shirt with a black cardigan and jeans. Max is wearing a white and grey hat, black glasses, a grey sweatshirt with a "Class of 2016" design on the front, and jeans. Emma has long dark brown hair and is wearing a silver headband, black glasses, a dark purple short sleeve shirt with the writing "This is Me!" on the front and dark pants. Gabby has dark brown hair that is in a ponytail and is wearing black glasses, a black shirt with a pac-man design, a pink jacket with jeans. Erika has dark brown hair that is in a ponytail and she is wearing black glasses and a white Special Musicians shirt. She is sitting in her wheelchair with a colorful blanket on her lap. Max and Gabby are wearing nametags and all five individuals are smiling.

Image Description: Courtnay (left) and Tess (right) hold hands and dance together while they wait for the session to start. Courtnay has red hair that is pulled back into a ponytail and is wearing a grey Nebraska sweatshirt. Tess has dark brown hair and half of it is in a bun on the top of her head. She is wearing black glasses and a grey shirt with a yellow cardigan .

Tess Ray

"I started going to Special Musicians in the summer of 2018 and I don't think I have missed a week since. Coming into Special Musicians, I didn't think I realized that I would make some of my best friends there. I love coming in and being able to sing, dance, and just be a goofball with all of my favorite people. Being a volunteer with Special Musicians is one of the best decisions that I have ever made. Everyone there radiates joy and makes the start of the week the best!

Musicians

Joey Drwal

"My favorite part about Special Musicians is that we have a dance party and I get to dance with all of my friends. It is a lot of fun! I have learned how to be respectful to friends too!"

Image Description: Joey is performing on stage during his individual performance. He has short brown hair and is wearing black glasses, a blue and white striped shirt, blue dress shorts and black tennis shoes. He is dancing and singing.

Image Description: Sammi is singing during her individual performance. Sammi has long brown hair and is wearing a blue short sleeve shirt with a black tank top underneath. She is holding a microphone with her right hand while performing.

Sammi Presser

"I love Special Musicians! I have learned that I am a good singer. My favorite part is singing. I'm in music at my school and it got me used to using my singing voice a little. I like to sing songs I learn in my music class, and I performed Taylor Swift songs at two performances."