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Rising Above Ministries will partner this weekend with Tennessee Tech’s School of Music to host a sensory-friendly music fair for people with disabilities.
Rising Above Ministries Vice President Steve Chatman said many of these people love music, but are unable to go to live events due to a lack of accommodation or the need to sit still and be quiet for an entire performance. Chatman said the event will feature mini-workshops where participants can play instruments, learn about music, and compose music of their own.
“Creating events that are designed specifically for these individuals gives these families an opportunity to experience music and just the beauty of music, but in an environment where they know this is for you and we want you to be here and you’re not going to be a disruption,” Chatman said.
Chatman said there will be music students at each workshop to assist individuals through the experience. The free event will take place at Tennessee Tech’s School of Music on Saturday, April 13 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.
He said event will conclude with a sensory-friendly orchestra concert.
“Rather than having the orchestra up on the stage and the audience out in the seats, we’re trying to figure out a way to actually have the individuals up on stage with the band,” Chatman said. “Because there’s again, just so they can get excited. If they want to jump and clap and dance and move around, it’ll be very interactive for them, and obviously you’re not going to see that at a regular concert.”
Chatman said this event was created after Rising Ministries and the School of Music had to postpone plans for a fundraiser concert and wanted to explore other ways they could collaborate.
“We just sort of started brainstorming how we might could partner further and, you know, bring some music, sensory-friendly music events for our disabled and special needs population, at the same time providing learning opportunities and hands on opportunities for students in the School of Music at Tennessee Tech,” Chatman said.
