In an effort to harmonize diversity in musical expression, Coon Rapids High School has integrated a vibrant program that pairs students of all abilities on a melodic journey. Titled the United Sound, this initiative is the brainchild of band director Ryan Palmer, who has witnessed it evolve from an extracurricular activity to a full-fledged classroom experience.
During the recent Winter Band Concert, this unique partnership showcased an Albanian Dance number, enriched by the presence of the school's special education students. This integration, flourishing under Palmer's watch, aims to break down the barriers often faced by students with different abilities when accessing music education. Collaborative at its core, the program operates on a pod system, wherein one to three mentors are buddied up with each participating 'new musician.' A statement obtained by Coon Rapids official website features Palmer saying, "The power that I've seen with United Sound that has been really wonderful is how much it centers student voice and how much it empowers students both mentors and the new musicians."
United Sound, a non-profit organization, provides the structured curriculum guiding Coon Rapids' music mentors and their protégés. Senior Ben Wendling, a dedicated mentor for four years, shared his experience with the audience during the concert. Reflecting on the impact music has on the lives of participants, Coral Weber, who doubles as a United Sound club co-president and a cellist in the school orchestra, told the Coon Rapids official website, "You can really tell that music does impact their lives in a positive way."
The mentorship experience transcends the bounds of conventional education, weaving bonds through harmonized effort and a shared passion for music. Weber, who became a mentor four years ago, expressed the fulfillment gained from seeing faces on the concert stage. "I have so much fun doing it,” Weber said to the Coon Rapids official website. “Just seeing the pure joy on their faces, especially on concert days, really makes the time and effort that you put into it worth it." Coon Rapids High School stands alone in Minnesota as the sole adopter of the United Sound curriculum, emphasizing the resonance of relationships over rhythmic precision.
