Hillcrest High School’s Vocal Ensemble recently brought the joy of music to Jordan Valley students, performing for an audience eager to clap, dance and move to the songs.

For Jordan Valley Music Therapist Hope Ward, the performance aligned with her goals in her first year.

“One of my biggest goals this year is outreach, so I invited a couple of different schools to come,” she said. “Hillcrest has been coming for years.”

In addition to Hillcrest, Corner Canyon High students sang at Jordan Valley in early December and Brighton High was on the schedule along with a private violin studio performance.

Jordan Valley students have severe multiple disabilities including autism, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, communication impairments, genetic disorders and syndromes, deafblindness and students who are extremely medically fragile. The goal at Jordan Valley School is to improve the quality of life for its 70 students, age 5 to adult, and their families.

Ward said bringing performances directly removes barriers.

“Our students love this. Sometimes we don’t have the access as other students to be able to do things like this so having them come to us is easier. Our students are obsessed with music,” she said.

Ward said students express their excitement in their own ways.

“Many of our students are nonverbal so when they are excited, they move their bodies. Music makes them happy, so these students are expressing it through movements. Maybe they’re making some vocalizations that aren’t words, but they are clearly excited from their happy sounds,” she said.

As a music therapist, Ward works closely with students’ educational plans. She works with each of the 10 classes in group therapy sessions, then supports 20 students through their individualized education program through music.

“Maybe their goals are to increase motor dexterity so grasping something like a maraca is very motivating. When they shake it, they are increasing their grasp. It’s fun and that’s why it’s effective,” Ward explained.

Jordan Valley Principal Matt Nelson said these live performances are meaningful.

“It’s important to get this quality of music brought to our students where they’re comfortable and familiar so they can enjoy it,” he said. “We’ve had students dancing, clapping, jumping up and down, rocking back and forth. Engaging with music is another method our students can communicate. It’s a powerful medium.”

Hillcrest High senior John Hansen said performing for Jordan Valley students offers something unique as does performing in venues such as Gardner Hall, the Tabernacle and the capitol.

“It’s fun to have these cool, different experiences and to share the love of music,” he said.

Hillcrest junior Laelia Raleigh said their visit was rewarding.

“I love talking to them,” she said. “I talked to a girl in the corner and she smiled at me and gave me the biggest hug. It just filled my heart with so much joy.”

Hillcrest choir director RaNae Dalgleish said the tradition of performing at Jordan Valley began decades earlier under Hillcrest choir director Brian Bentley and one she has chosen to continue.

“Performing in our community strengthens students musically and personally,” she said about the synergy coming from 40 performances during the winter season. “Watching my students here, some of them have never had a chance to be with others who are disabled to the point where they can't be in a typical classroom. They’re seeing how these kids respond to music, how they light up and they dance, they move and they vocalize. They’re learning the powerful impact of what they’re doing. When we talk as a team about our experiences and goals and what is worth our time, we come here. Bringing joy to Jordan Valley students is worth our time and investment.”

Hillcrest High students share a moment with Jordan Valley students after their concert. (Julie Slama/City Journals)