MUSIC ON A MISSION INC

Kids in Tune- an early childhood music program for children in crisis, and classrooms where the kids have such significant disabilities that they are unable to attend music classes. They learn and participate in rhyme songs, singing and playing instruments, games, stories, movement and listening activities. The kids in crisis are at risk for further violence & trauma, live below the poverty line, lag behind academically,& have decreased opportunities for creative expression. They are less likely to have access to culture and the arts. Kids in Tune program goes to 6 school systems; Avon, Avon Lake, Elyria, Lorain, Summit Academy, and Olmsted Falls. Most of these children have autism, are nonverbal, many have significant cognitive delays, & Down syndrome.
Our goals:
1. Increase social interaction, waiting turns, listening, following directions through songs and activities using call and response;
2. Encourage individual creativity through undirected movement activities;
3. Increase self-control and focus which decreases behavioral outbursts;
4. Increase connectedness with others and increase attention span.
Joyful Voices Choir is a choir for kids with disabilities—even those who are nonverbal. Their special needs, necessary accommodations, sensitivities, lack of mobility and/or lack of vocalization makes them not eligible for either their school choirs or a community choir. The choir performs at Barnegie Hall or community events.

Dance to the Music- Dance instructors teach people with mobility impairments and developmental disabilities the art of combining rhythm and movement by using their existing physical strengths. Combining music and movement decreases isolation, improves relationships with others, builds self-confidence & develops a more positive body image.
Seniors in Symphony- singing/performing to nursing home residents provides relaxation, decreases stress, and brings a more positive state of mind. Singing together can be a way of communicating without confronting the various deficits that a person constantly faces. Singing is a source of stimulation and interaction, an alternative method of communication, and promotes engagement in an activity, as well as interaction with another human being. In addition, we take a drum circle to nursing homes. Drumming improves circulation in the hands and body, loosens stiff joints in the shoulders, arms and wrists, and stimulates the mind. Residents report improvement in general coordination, walking, speaking, sleeping, and thought process, and experience a boost in self-esteem and overall confidence.
Voices for Veterans- serving those who serve, to decrease isolation & depression through performing at the VA hospitals. Our Voices for Veterans program provides relaxation, decreases stress, and brings a more positive state of mind.
DREW is Songwriting with Soldiers . Delivering Restorative Energy to our Warriors. DREW uses songwriting to facilitate positive change, giving veterans a unique way to tell their stories, rebuild trust, and release pain. Service members are paired with songwriters to shape songs out of their experiences, often about combat and the return home. The songs express what it means to serve, and the struggles our veterans face. The songs are recorded and shared through CDs, concerts, and social media in order to build awareness of the challenges faced by our returning service members.