Choirs that accept people of all abilities break down societal barriers, highlighting the unique talents of each member. Photos: 123rf.com
A choir welcoming teens and adults of all abilities has come to Emporia, Kansas, the United States.
“The A New Start Choir (ANSC) is a choir for those who are differently abled and their allies,” said founder Lydia Scott.
Scott, the brains behind the new choir, said she wanted to create a space where people of all abilities could enjoy singing together, something she has lacked since the end of Sunflower Singers (SS).
SS was a choir for adults with developmental or other disabilities in Emporia.
“SS was directed by music therapist Katie Just when she was in Emporia. But she moved away before Covid-19, so for individuals like Lydia, there hasn’t been anything available and that’s part of the reason why she wanted to have something,” explained Scott’s mother, Barb Scott.
Scott said: “I used to be a part of SS. And I thought, we need a new name, we need a new start. How about ‘A New Start’? The choir is different because it’s open for the whole public, people with disabilities and people without disabilities.”
An inclusive choir serves as a powerful symbol of diversity, proving that everyone’s voice is valuable.
Anna Ryan, director of ANSC and Emporia Children’s Choir, which serves students through eighth grade, said the choir is open to the entire community, high school students and above.
“Those coming into adulthood or adults, either that are differently abled or just friends and allies of differently abled people that would like to get together and sing fun songs,” Ryan said.
Scott has been singing since high school, where she was taught by Emporia High School vocal music teacher Sarah Bays.
“I love singing. When I sing, it’s like I’m in my own world,” Scott said.
“This is something for people to come together, to sing, to put the bad stuff away and not have to worry about the bad stuff anymore.”
While Ryan was unsure she wanted to take on the choir at first, she said Scott’s determination to make the choir happen was an inspiration.
“I told Lydia, see if you can find a place where we can rehearse, and I thought it is going to be hard. And I told her she won’t be able to find a place, so that’s how I’m going to get out of it,” Ryan laughed.
“Next thing I know, Lydia calls me and saying she has a place to rehearse.”
An inclusive choir promotes a sense of belonging, enabling people to express themselves through the universal language of music.
Ryan said she was reminded of the Parable Of The Persistent Widow from the Bible, and knew she had to help Scott’s dream come true.
“Along the way, I thought for Lydia to be so persistent, this must be something that needs to happen. So I got to be on board and now I’m as excited as Lydia is,” Ryan said.
Scott said she hopes to someday take the choir on the road, to perform across the state and even in Branson, Missouri.
“The songs that we will be singing include Can’t Help Falling In Love by Elvis Presley, Firework (Katy Perry), Lean On Me (Bill Withers), Shake It Off (Taylor Swift), Stand By Me (Ben E. King), Surfin’ USA (The Beach Boys) and We Will Rock You (Queen). I’m a really huge Elvis fan,” she said.
As a role model for people with special needs, Scott said she hopes the choir will show others that anything is possible.
“If you want to get a job, get a job. If you want to sing, sing. If you want to act, act. For me, this way, I can tell people that they can do things,” Scott said.
“With this choir, people with special needs can say ‘Hey, I can do whatever I want. Don’t put me down. I will fight for power.”
Additionally, she hopes to see many people from the community join the choir, as well as attend their concerts.
“There are not a lot of people in the community to come and cheer us on. Not a lot of people come to Special Olympics or anything.
“Now, it is like, we need people to know, come support us, come support Special Olympics, come support us in plays, come support us in concerts. If we have more support, more people will want us to come and perform,” Scott said. – The Emporia Gazette/Tribune News Service
