Toes were tapping and fingers were snapping at the Jazz on the Mountain Workshop and Concert event on April 8th.

Crotched Mountain students had the opportunity to share the stage with professional jazz musicians, Bob Arpin on guitar, Danny Solomon on piano, John Hunter on bass and Tim Gilmore on drums. After morning workshop/rehearsals, students and band members put on a concert for an appreciative audience. The concert included a blues piece written by bass playing student, Charles T. with coaching by Dave Kontak. Also joining the band were students, Chris L. on piano, Buddy W. and Zach D. on guitar, and Michael T. , Ricky Mallon and Lindsey M. on percussion instruments.

Playing technology adapted instruments were Ellie G. and Carra M. on the Soundbeam@, Stephanie S. on synthesized organ, Kyle B. on vocals controlled by a head switch, James S. on synthesized flute controlled by an IntelliKeys@ board. Switch in Time@ software was used to create the synthesized instruments and vocals.

The Crotched Mountain Chorus sang "Glory Train" and "Kansas City" with several students using communication devices and many participating with choreographed motions based on ASL signs. The students quickly adapted to performing with the band and Nathan S. commented that it was much better with a live band than with our recorded accompaniment. Chelsea F. sang a lovely version of "Good Morning Heartache", in the style of Billy Holiday, and the tasteful accompaniment from the professional musicians made it a great experience. Another tune that the band and our students collaborated on was "Watermelon Man" by Herbie Hancock, done in the style of the Head Hunter album. Playing synthesized instruments controlled by switches were Billy K., Joseph H. and Marcel R.. Hannah W. played Cabassa and True W. did interpretive dancing with help from Chris L.

Crotched Mountain music teacher, Bonnie Arpin, prepared the students for several weeks ahead of time and collaborated with husband Bob Arpin, who did research and arrangements for the band. Students also received coaching from ATU specialist Dave Kontak and Teaching Assistant Steve Smillie. We all enjoyed the tunes that the band played for our listening pleasure and everyone appreciated the great sounds and hard work from our students.

Crotched Mountain is a charitable organization whose mission is to serve individuals with disabilities and their families, embracing personal choice and development, and building communities of mutual support. Crotched Mountain provides specialized education, rehabilitation, community, and residential support services for more than 2,000 individuals living in New England and New York. For more information about the Crotched Mountain Foundation, please visit http://www.crotchedmountain.org/.