Their time to shine: Inside Mizzou’s Sound Explorers
All smiles: Teddy Kolenikov and his music mentor, Brendan Frazier
Just minutes before showtime, anticipation fills the air. Young musicians tune their instruments and receive last-minute guidance from their mentors.
These musicians have spent months preparing for this moment as members of Mizzou’s Sound Explorers, an adaptive beginning concert band that pairs middle and high school students with School of Music mentors. Designed for youth with developmental disabilities, this new program creates space for each musician to learn, grow, and perform at their own pace.
Brooke Danielsen, the School of Music’s large ensemble coordinator, launched the program after watching her son participate in Special Olympics.
“Special Olympics provides athletes with the opportunity to participate at their individual level,” said Danielsen. “I wanted to create that same kind of experience in a concert band setting for students in mid-Missouri.”
Sound Explorers prepare for their spring concert guided by School of Music students (left): Emma Spalding performs with Slade VanCleave; (right): Payne Morris helps Wesley Shields navigate their music selection
Ozias Gilzow, right, performs during the Sound Explorers concert with his music mentor, Maddy Haugsven.
Danielsen coordinates the Sound Explorers program alongside directors Abby Reed, music education alumna, and Adam Chitta, a current PhD Music Education student. Mizzou students serve as mentors, gaining valuable teaching experience as they instruct and guide their protégés during weekly lessons.
For families, Sound Explorers offers more than music lessons. It opens the door to possibility.
After difficulties keeping up with peers in his school’s orchestra, Joy Gilzow’s son Ozias found encouragement and acceptance.
“This program met Ozias at his skill level, which is such a gift,” said Gilzow. Thanks to his progress, she is hopeful that her son will be successful in his school’s jazz club next year.
As participants grow as musicians, they experience the cognitive and emotional benefits that come with making music with their peers.
Oksana Loginova’s son Teddy performs in his middle school jazz band. Sound Explorers has helped him stay in step with his classmates.
Ready to shine: Jane Guilot-Beinke with Abby Harris
“The additional practice time with guidance from music professionals makes a real difference and has built Teddy's confidence,” said Loginova.
Abby Harris has spent many performances off-stage supporting friends and siblings.
“She has always loved dancing, listening, and singing, but struggled with making music,” said her mother, Maureen.
Now, it’s Abby’s time to shine as she joins friends in the spotlight, confident, capable, and ready to perform.
“My daughter shines because of the bridge that was built through this program, a sweet combination of patience, clear language and expectations, and talented musicians who can translate the language of music.”
Sound Explorers resumes this fall. Parents who are interested in the program’s one-on-one instruction can contact Brooke Danielsen at communitymusic@missouri.edu.
Funding for Sound Explorers is provided by the Paul D. Higday Mozart Trust.