The Delta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments is launching a new program called “Experience the Arts,” which aims to help children who are visually impaired or blind sharpen skills and develop a love of music. It is the first program in the St. Louis area of its kind.
The program will kick off with an event on Friday night featuring Jeff Austin, the founder and former member of Yonder Mountain Spring Band. On Friday’s “St. Louis on the Air,” host Don Marsh discussed the new program with:
- Debbie Nauke, Executive Director, Delta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments
- Jeff Austin, Singer and Mandolinist, Founder and former member of the Yonder Mountain String Band
The program is an addition to the Center’s Grads program, which provides support and recreation for school-age youth. It was started 13 years ago, when administrators found that kids entering school faced a different set of challenges that included being left out of sports and other social experiences.
“We’ve exposed them to everything you can imagine and they love music,” said Nauke. “We started this because they asked for music.”
Right now, the program serves 55 kids. Some of those children have worked with Austin in the past and will be performing at tonight’s launch event for the program.
The music program will have three different courses — an introductory course of tone and beats as well as reading music via braille, a mid-level course where kids can improvise and perform and an advanced-level course.
While the Grads program has seen success with its sports and recreation activities, Nauke and Austin believe the music program reaches kids in a different way.
“The core of it is that it doesn’t matter, young, old, different needs and abilities, music affects everyone. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you live, it is immediately accessible whether you’re really good at it or you feel it passionately and can’t sing a note,” said Austin. “… It affects people so deeply and it is a continuing thing. Whether you can clap or sing operatic stuff, it doesn’t really matter. What I’ve seen in this course is it is setting them up to succeed, it doesn’t matter what level. You can see the passion.”
Related Event
What: Delta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments Presents "The Launch" for the Experience the Arts Music Program
When: Friday, Jan. 22, 2016 from 6:30-9:00 p.m.
Where: Delta Gama Center for Children With Visual Impairments, 1750 S. Big Bend Blvd., Richmond Heights, MO. 63117
St. Louis on the Air brings you the stories of St. Louis and the people who live, work and create in our region. St. Louis on the Air host Don Marsh and producers Mary Edwards, Alex Heuer and Kelly Moffitt give you the information you need to make informed decisions and stay in touch with our diverse and vibrant St. Louis region.
