Bringing the Joy of Making Music
to the Physically and Mentally Impaired
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Primal Connection's Five Week Pilot Program for People with Disabilities
A Report
The Primal Connection recently completed a five week pilot program working with the physically and mentally impaired clients an Hardee County ARC.. The program's objectives are to bring the joy of making music to this special population and teach music basics in the form of rhythms, dynamics and teamwork. The program sought acceptance for the kind of hands on approach to music involvement that percussion instruments offered as well as electing the attention span for the weekly hour long sessions.

The program was a resounding success as reported in the News Sun 3/6/05.. The outcome of the program is best summed up in the words of the Dr. Michael McCoy, Director of Hardee County ARC: who was impressed with how his clients stayed on task:

"It was incredible. They (clients) got to try various instruments. Fred Leavitt encouraged them to try new things. They were very accepting of the program. Some danced and some played instruments. The program even benefited those individuals who are hearing impaired. They can feel the vibrations.

They were enthusiastic, no doubt. They were constantly with it from the time the activity started to the end. The transition from the first session to the last was unbelievable. At first his clients would not stop beating the drums when Leavitt instructed them to stop. By the last session they learned rhythm, how to play louder and softer, stop together, and most importantly followed instructions from the leader".

The program was funded by a VSA grant. VSA arts is an international organization that promotes the creative power in people with disabilities.