People often say that music is a universal language. Recently, students from the special education and music departments have teamed up to prove just how true that is.
The special education department is collaborating with volunteers from the music department and William Rossel of Arts Unite to play percussion with the students.
“The Arts Unite program involves a local artist of some sort coming in to play,” said teacher Katie Peter. “We have William, who specializes in percussion, to come in and play alongside our students and really integrate all members of the school population.”

Rossel has played music with the students in the past, but this is the first year in which other Redwood musicians are also involved. Rossel said that this helps bring all of the students together on equal footing.
“Most special ed kids are seen as disadvantaged and different, but in reality they’re every bit as capable as anybody else,” Rossel said. “We’re trying to show that by putting everyone on equal footing and having them all play the same thing.”
According to Peter, music is a great way to help and encourage special education students.
“It’s been amazing. Music in general is so cohesive because it works so many areas of the brain,” Peter said. “It helps develop problem solving, it helps develop reasoning, academic achievement, and even self-esteem and self-confidence.”
Peter also said that she chose to start the program because of the environment it helps to create.
“Any kind of program that we can find that helps foster that attitude of working together we support 100 percent and strive every day to make that possible for our students,” Peter said.
According to Kim Cochrane, another special education teacher, the music program also allows the development of friendships.
“All these kids coming together and playing music help make friendships that wouldn’t have formed otherwise on this campus,” Cochrane said.
Peter said that those friendships are apparent when the special education department walks around campus.
“Even just walking around the campus now, the other students involved in the program will reach out to us and say hi to our students,” Peter said.
The program is likely to continue next year, according to Rossel.
“Coming back depends a lot on how successful the program is this year,” Rossel said. “It’s going well, so I’m hopeful. I’ve already worked with the program the past two years, and I’d like to continue to break down the stereotypes and help these kids with their peers.
The drummers gather to play with Rossel on Wednesdays during fifth period in Rm. 116.