Differently-Abled Musicians Rock at Lagond
Passing through the doors of Lagond Music School (LMS) in Elmsford, one may feel as though they have entered an intimate live music club in any major city. For a group of musicians with intellectual and developmental disabilities, this space, which features a stage and nightclub lighting, offers the opportunity to hone their musical skills. The school also affords them the preparation necessary to be hired for professional gigs. Best yet, through mentorship and music education, LMS provides a space that dissolves the isolation that often comes with living with a disability.
One LMS program, Power Through Performance, mentors musicians of different levels and abilities. The purpose of the program, according to LMS’s website, is to ensure that differently-abled musicians “are defined by their talent, merit and passion – not by their disabilities.”
Executive Director Roseanne Lana says that in their 20 years in the community, the organization has come across many musicians who are being marginalized and stereotyped due to what she says is one common misconception – that their disabilities mean they are inferior musicians.
On the contrary, The Speakers, a band that was formed after drummer Jordan Levy and saxophonist, guitarist and singer/songwriter Geoff Coggeshall met at Lagond Music School, consistently play gigs around the county. The trio is rounded out by entertainer Kerryn Prieto.
On their website, Prieto explains that “The Speakers are speaking up for musicians with disabilities who are often overshadowed, shunned, left in the dark due to their condition.”
The band has two upcoming gigs: on September 23 at the Yonkers Riverfest (Waterfront Stage, 12:30-1:30) and Wartburg Fall Festival in Mount Vernon (September 30).
About ArtsWestchester
For more than 50 years, ArtsWestchester has been the community’s connection to the arts. Founded in 1965, it is the largest, private, not-for-profit arts council in New York State. Its mission is to provide leadership, vision, and support, to ensure the availability, accessibility, and diversity of the arts. ArtsWestchester provides programs and services that enrich the lives of everyone in Westchester County. ArtsWestchester helps fund concerts, exhibitions and plays through grants; brings artists into schools and community centers; advocates for the arts; and builds audiences through diverse marketing initiatives. In 1998, ArtsWestchester purchased the nine-story neo-classical bank building at 31 Mamaroneck Avenue which has since been transformed into a multi-use resource for artists, cultural organizations, and the community. A two-story gallery is located on the first floor of ArtsWestchester’s historic building on Mamaroneck Avenue.
For more than 50 years, ArtsWestchester has been the community’s connection to the arts. Founded in 1965, it is the largest, private, not-for-profit arts council in New York State. Its mission is to provide leadership, vision, and support, to ensure the availability, accessibility, and diversity of the arts. ArtsWestchester provides programs and services that enrich the lives of everyone in Westchester County. ArtsWestchester helps fund concerts, exhibitions and plays through grants; brings artists into schools and community centers; advocates for the arts; and builds audiences through diverse marketing initiatives. In 1998, ArtsWestchester purchased the nine-story neo-classical bank building at 31 Mamaroneck Avenue which has since been transformed into a multi-use resource for artists, cultural organizations, and the community. A two-story gallery is located on the first floor of ArtsWestchester’s historic building on Mamaroneck Avenue.
