Today was a great event at VEC. We had guests share their music and talk about the instruments (including the voice)!
We had the Utah Opera resident artists (Stephanie Chee (Soprano), Sarah Scofield, Aaron McKone, Rodney Sharp II, and Jie Fang Goh)), Chad Gardner, Aaron Lewis, and Kim Ripplinger join us today to share their talents with music. It was a terrific day of music, where our students (and staff) are always excited. Many of our groups even spent time in the instrument lab with Kim trying some instruments out for themselves and seeing how they work.
Chad brought his love of the guitar and Bob Dylan. Aaron shared his love of jazz and Disney. The Utah Opera residents shared a variety of music from different operas in their repertoire. It was a wonderful day!
One particularly remarkable and beautiful musical piece was performed by Sara Scofield, which was written by Joel Balzun (2019) entitle March 2017: Lucky (a collection of songs from Was/am/will be) that draws insight from someone trying to communicate through disability and trying his best. No spoilers. Please check out the link! It is insightful and powerful as we consider communication and our students with disabilities. I loved it!
Our Next Opportunity!! Please join us!
Please talk with your student about this. The Utah Symphony and Opera provides a FREE, wonderful opportunity in our community for people with disabilities of all kinds and their families to attend the Access to Music concert, Thursday, January 23, 2025 at 7pm (Abravanel Hall). That night attendees will get to hear these same Utah Opera Resident Artists perform with the Symphony in the best night of the year. Please join us in attending!! Tickets are free, however, you must go to the website and register for the event (including creating an account with your email). It is totally worth it!