June 3, 2026
Photo by Rosemary Frank
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 the University of Missouri’s Sound Explorers, an adaptive beginning concert band that pairs middle and high school students with mentors from the School of Music in the College of Arts and Science. 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,” Danielsen said. “I wanted to create that same kind of experience in a concert band setting for students in mid-Missouri.”
Danielsen coordinates the Sound Explorers program alongside directors Abby Reed, music education alumna, and Adam Chitta, a current doctoral student in music education. 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,” Gilzow said.
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.
“The additional practice time with guidance from music professionals makes a real difference and has built Teddy's confidence,” Loginova said.
Sound Explorers, which is funded in part by the Paul D. Higday Mozart Trust, resumes this fall.
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