News and notes from Imagine! and the Imagine! Foundation.
The Beat Goes On
Apr-30-2020
Services
One of Imagine!’s staple activities is a music class offered in our adult program. Our facilities have music labs equipped with electronic drum sets, microphones, keyboards, and adaptive instruments. Led by skilled musicians, each class gives all participants a turn to choose a song and perform a solo. Despite group setting classes being suspended, Imagine! instructor Kirk Margoles still found a way to connect with his participants through music.
Three times a week, Kirk hosts a live music class via Zoom, engaging everyone in a virtual jam session. From his makeshift home studio, Kirk takes song requests from the class, which range from The Beatles, Disney songs, The Monkees, Elvis, John Denver, and many more. While Kirk leads on guitar, the class joins in by singing along, beating a drum, shaking a tambourine, clapping, or just simply enjoying the music.
Playing guitar, writing original music, and performing since he was a teenager, Kirk has worked at Imagine! for 12 years. “The overall goal is to provide an authentic music making experience with their peers, and promote their abilities and self-confidence through musical activities,” said Kirk. “I like singing The Beatles, John Denver, and other oldies with Kirk,” said Donna, a resident at one of Imagine!’s Group Homes.
The experience is interactive and designed to emulate an in person jam session. Mid song you’ll hear Kirk give a shout out to someone singing along or a quick encouragement for someone to clap along. Family members in each household often tag along and use this uplifting hour as respite from the day. The hour flies by and many bid for an encore as Kirk wraps up the session.
The live music classes are one example of the many ways Imagine! employees and clients are adapting to the stay at home order. Many thanks to everyone for striving to stay connected and continuing to create a world of opportunity for all abilities!
