Here at Woodhaven High School, Mr.Faryniarz’s fifth-hour band class participates in a program called United Sound. United Sound is a National Program with chapters across the country. This is a great experience for students who have special needs to get the chance to play an instrument and perform at two of the school band concerts. These students come down to his class and, with the help of his student mentors who already know how to play, get the opportunity that many students with the same circumstances as them do not get.
They learn to read music, play different rhythms and notes, and perform on stage with the band. This is great because many kids do not get these types of opportunities in school, because of their differences, even though they are just as capable as everyone else. Mr.Faryniarz says, “Wyandotte High School has had a chapter for a couple of years. I was in Chicago two years ago for a congress that had United Sound students playing with the Marine Band. It was really awesome to see, so I reached out to the Wyandotte band director to see how they started their program so we could start our own.”
WHS is one of over 100 chapters spanning over 31 states. This program stretches across high schools, middle schools, and universities. Looking at the map on their website, California seems to have the most chapters in the country. United Sound was founded in 2014. The website does not include any information on the background, such as where it was founded or who it was founded by.
There are a total of over 12,000 students who participate, including the 3,000+ students with special needs, and over 9,000 student mentors. Cayla Nissley said, “I love that I get to see my friends and play with them.” This is proof of the program working and bringing students together through music. Though I’m sure Cayla spends lots of time with her friends, this gives them a shared experience and something they can have in common.
Not only does United Sound have an amazing impact on the special needs students, but it also has a positive impact on the mentors who get the chance to work with them. Adelien Williams, WHS senior, says, “It feels amazing to participate in this, it makes me feel good. I have so much fun with my bestie Cayla, it’s just a warming and unique experience.” Being able to do something like this must feel so great, especially if you’re having a bad day. Seeing how much what you’re doing brightens someone else’s spirit is a great feeling.
Amely Lora-Medina, another senior here, also works with the students. She says, “I think it gives them an experience they otherwise wouldn’t have been able to have, we give them a chance to live like musicians in a way, and if they enjoy music, it helps them live like we do.” In life, people with special needs are often treated differently from others, and this is an opportunity for them to be treated the same as any musician would be. Practicing an instrument up until a concert and having a great opportunity to play what they’ve practiced for a crowd, and show off what they have learned in the last few months.
