Students Perform Together in Music Class

by Lizi Thach ‘18

Music is an interest that appeals to many students here at Sherwood, but not all students are able to take the music class they desire. Thanks to the ingenuity of some band students, kids with special needs are able to experience a real music class—many for the first time.

This effort first began when Special Education teacher Jill Galt received drums, maracas, egg shakers, and triangles, donated to her by Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center. She asked band teacher Alexander Silverbook if his students could teach her class how to play the instruments. Soon, Silverbook had a few volunteers, including Socrates Matthews, a sophomore guitarist, who teaches and plays for Galt’s students every Thursday at seventh period.

“It’s fun and entertaining [to teach] the students interested in playing music and it’s a very interactive experience for [them].” said Matthews. “We would teach them simple beats … [like] four-four beats.”

Danny Santiago, a senior volunteer guitarist and singer, also commented about how the students will occasionally sing along to a variety of songs they play, such as “Let’s Twist Again,” “Born to Run,” and other songs from Rock n’ Roll Revival.

Through volunteering to teaching students with special needs, different learning styles and subjects have been integrated into the classroom. This socialization creates and influences positive behaviors, emotions, and social interactions, as well as an increase in appropriate verbalizations and communication with enhanced listening skills, according to Galt.

“The music class [has provided] a wider understanding of how each individual student can make their own music and be part of a musical group,” said Galt. “This experience may influence [other] students to pursue a career or want to volunteer with people that have intellectual disabilities.”

Volunteering around the school proves beneficial for classes and teachers, as well as for the volunteers themselves. Silverbook stated that volunteering helps to contribute to programs throughout the school, like Galt’s class.

“Those learning get to learn how to play instruments and learn songs like a music class. For the students teaching them how to play music, they learn how to teach music and how to interact with others outside the class,” said Silverbook.