SSC Community Voices to Perform at Statewide Fundraising Event for the Disabled

Buses set to roll for major fundraiser to benefit people with disabilities

SSC Community Voices, South Shore Conservatory’s adult chorus for individuals with developmental delays, has been invited by to perform at a major statewide event by Arc of Massachusetts, an organization that supports and advocates for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families.  

All Aboard the Arc!, a fundraiser supporting those with I/DD, will be held on April 10^th beginning at 11 a.m. in downtown Worcester.  An adaptation of a walkathon, the event buses more than 1,000 participants who help raise more than $1 million to support programs benefitting 180,000 Massachusetts residents living with I/DD.  Officials and supporters from the state over will join the effort in support of The Arc’s advocacy mission.

A non-auditioned chorus, the 20-member SSC Community Voices is open to young adults with special needs age 16 and older, no matter their ability.  Now in their second year, SSC Community Voices adapts for all singers – even those who are non-verbal are able to participate as part of the ensemble.  Current members have been discovered through special education departments at local schools, group homes, human service agencies and residential and vocational agencies like New England Villages and the Arc of Plymouth.  The program is directed by Eve Montague MT-BC, South Shore Conservatory’s Director of Community Partnerships and Music Therapy Department Chair. 

The Duxbury- based chorus will make their way to the Worcester event concurrently with multiple chapters of The Arc from across the state, who will host rallies for their sendoff.   SSC Community Voices will perform during a celebratory program emceed by Dan Rea of WBZ’s “Nightside”, highlighting groups dedicated to the cause.

“We’re excited to think we can give something back to the programs that enhance the lives of these wonderful people so much,” said Montague, “So much education, recreation and support comes from The Arc deeming the organization worthy of such broad spread recognition and effort.  Plus, there is nothing the chorus members love more than sharing their vocal accomplishments with an audience.  This experience will be a joy for all of us involved.”

This concert marks the groups’ 7^th scheduled concert appearance.  In April 2010, the chorus was featured at a recognition event of the Department of Developmental Services of Plymouth.  SSC Community Voices also sang at the Massachusetts State House last May at the invitation of State Representative Tom Calter and received a citation for their achievements. The chorus is available for other off-site appearances.

Information on how to participate in All Aboard The Arc! can be found at www.allaboardthearc.org or by contacting statewide director Jessica Souke or recruitment manager Gia Veglia at 781-891-6270 or at Souke@arcmass.org or Veglia@arcmass.org.

For more information on SSC Community Voices or South Shore Conservatory Music Therapy Programs, please contact Eve Montague at 781-934-2731 ext.20. or visit www.sscmusic.org

About South Shore Conservatory

The largest not-for-profit community school for the arts in Massachusetts, South Shore Conservatory (SSC) was founded in 1970.  Over the last 40 years the Conservatory has remained true to its original mission to provide access to quality education in the arts, and now serves more than 2,500 students ages 9 months to 90+, at all skill levels, participating in over 50 programs on site and in outreach programs in partnership with schools and social service agencies throughout the South Shore.   SSC’s main campus is located at One Conservatory Drive, Hingham, 781-749-7565.  SSC’s Duxbury Campus is located at The Ellison Center for the Arts, 64 St. George Street, Duxbury, 781-934-2731.

South Shore Conservatory admits students and families of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.

State Representative Tom Calter (left); State House Asst. Betty DeBenedictis (center, in red), Eve Montague and State Representative Jim Cantwell (both on right), pose for a celebratory photograph with members of SSC Community Voices.  The group had just finished their performance at the Massachusetts State House at the request of Rep. Calter.