Music for Everybody!
The Second Story Sessions are participatory music experiences for individuals with and without special needs.
Benefits:
- Opportunities for creative and musical expression
- Improved self-esteem through accomplishment
- New and varied social interactions
- Focus on teamwork with band mates
- Performance opportunities to share with the community
- Weekly, joyful music making
We meet weekly to sing and make music. We primarily use our voices, percussion and wind instruments. Periodically, the participants are joined by more experienced musicians – together we become the Second Story Band and perform for an audience.
We are all in this together and our similarities are more important than our differences. Together we can make unique music.
Sessions are currently on hiatus. If you’re interested in this program, please contact us so we can add you to the “interested” list and be in touch when we start up again: send John an email. The Coffeehouse Project is a recognized Goods and Service in the Self-Directed Programs of the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD).
Read more about the importance of music making for those with special needs.
The Second Story Band performed love songs to celebrate Valentine’s Day at GiGi’s Playhouse in Hillsborough.
For more information, contact John: jfitz@thecoffeehouseprojectnj.org
Testimonials:
The Second Story Band project has given our son an opportunity to experience and fulfill the dream of performing in a band. More importantly, it provides him with a welcoming place to build on his love for music and develop friendships. — Robyn
[Our son] has Down syndrome and John has brought [his] dreams to life by bringing together a band that he is a part of (which he desired for years). [He] loves his music friends, as he calls them! — Joan
[Our son’s] social growth has been as important as his musical growth. Participating in SSB has helped [him] feel more confident and comfortable in a group situation; he is less self-centered and more group-centered during sessions and this is a significant change for him. — Beth
This program is made possible, in part, by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State and administered by the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission through the State/County Partnership Local Arts Program Grant.
