Staff photo by DARWIN WEIGEL
Oreaco Rice of Chesapeake Beach sings “She’ll Be Coming ‘Round the Mountain” Wednesday with music teacher Susan Yoe at the Arc of Southern Maryland in Prince Frederick.
Every Wednesday, Susan Yoe helps give those supported by the Arc of Southern Maryland a voice.
Yoe plays well known songs on the keyboard as part of a music therapy program at the Arc of Southern Maryland and members accompany her by singing along, dancing or even playing instruments of their own.
“I think every life is enriched by music, and I thought it would be good for them too and everybody enjoys it,” Yoe said. “Music takes them to another place, a happier place.”
The Arc of Southern Maryland, a nonprofit organization, promotes community involvement, independence and personal success for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Yoe, of Huntingtown, said she began participating in the music therapy program as an accompanist 10 years ago when it was started by Richard Smucker.
“I was drawn in [to the program] by being the accompanist,” Yoe said. “I didn’t know much about music therapy but I learned that it was really beneficial for people.”
Yoe said she did not play music by ear very well 10 years ago, but she quickly learned to do just that so she did not have to look up songs. Trained as a classical musician, Yoe said it was a “big difference” learning to play sing-a-long and karaoke-style music by ear, but sometimes classical music is even incorporated into the program.
Associate executive director Dan Fones said the music therapy program participants are part of The Joyous Sounds, a group that comprises Arc members who perform at seasonal community events. Most recently, Fones said, the group performed at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church during the holidays.
“One thing that amazes me is the number of songs these folks know by heart,” Fones said.
During a Feb. 8 music therapy session, as Yoe played the keyboard, Arc members sang from memory their favorite tunes, including “Old MacDonald,” “This Little Light of Mine,” “Lean on Me,” “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” “Down in the Valley” and “Joy to the World.” Since next Tuesday is Valentine’s Day, Yoe played “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” as everyone in the room sang.
Individuals also participate by playing an assortment of rhythm instruments like the bells, tambourine, bongos and the maracas. When Yoe played the “Chicken Dance,” everyone got out of their chairs and started flapping their arms and clapping their hands to the beat.
Nkeshi Free, development manager of the Arc, said some individuals who are nonverbal communicators “find their voice” with the help of the music therapy lessons. Some people who are known to be shy will participate in the program by singing in front of the group.
“Performing music in the spotlight as a solo may be a terrifying idea to many people, but once you try it, it can be very rewarding,” Yoe said. “Most of our Arc consumers are unafraid to do this because the atmosphere in our sessions is very supportive. While performing solo, each has the chance to show their true and lovely colors and to be appreciated and loved by an audience.”
Some songs are sentimental to Arc members and are sung at each Wednesday session. Free said every week, someone stands at the front of the room and sings “Your Cheatin’ Heart” in honor of an Arc member who loved that song and died in 2010.
Ron Mould, director of community supports, said the program allows individuals to express themselves and work together while building self-confidence.
Yoe said she has been involved in music since the first grade and knows how to play the piano and the organ. She is also a member of the Calvert Dance Band and the Music Teachers Association, has a music studio where she teaches music to 28 students and is the music director at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.
kfitzpatrick@somdnews.com