11 Sep Community Chords – Upside Ukes
This year’s Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival will shine a spotlight on the power of music and community as Upside Ukuleles, a remarkable group from Augusta Symphony’s Community Chords Music Therapy program, takes the Family Stage. This ensemble, composed of adults with Down Syndrome and their caregivers, began learning to play the ukulele in 2023. The program’s goals extend beyond music mastery, emphasizing teamwork, joy, and advocacy for people with disabilities.
The group, lovingly called Upside Ukes, has been meeting weekly, finding joy in the music while promoting visibility and inclusion in the CSRA. Their upcoming performance on the Family Stage, Friday September 20th will feature fun, uplifting songs for young children, as well as pop favorites, with the added vocal support of members from the Aiken Kinderchoir. Audience participation is encouraged, ensuring a heartwarming, interactive experience for all who attend.
The Augusta Symphony, now celebrating its 70th season, is a cornerstone of the cultural landscape in Augusta’s River Region. Founded in 1954 by Music Director Harry M. Jacobs, the Symphony has grown from a small group of 15 musicians into an 85-member professional ensemble. It serves as the primary professional orchestra for Augusta and the surrounding areas, performing annual symphonic, Pops, and family concerts that reach about 20,000 people each year. Led by Maestro Dirk Meyer, who is in his seventh season as Music Director, the Symphony continues to evolve and connect with the community.
Beyond the concert hall, the Symphony’s outreach efforts are just as inspiring. Through its Community Chords program, the Augusta Symphony extends its reach to foster accessibility to live classical music and encourage a lifelong appreciation of the art form among people of all ages and backgrounds. This program serves approximately 27,000 youth and adults across a 75-mile radius, making music a vital part of everyday life for people from all walks of life.
Community Chords offers a variety of ways to get involved, including Music Therapy, Veterans Outreach, and School Outreach. The Music Therapy program, which includes groups like Upside Ukuleles, provides free services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in partnership with local organizations, allowing participants to explore music in a supportive, therapeutic environment. The presenting sponsor for Community Chords Music Therapy is Piedmont Augusta, with additional support from community partner, Upside of Downs. Their support allows all music therapy services to be free. Veterans Outreach brings the healing power of music to local VA medical centers, while School Outreach introduces students across the CSRA to engaging and interactive concerts. Additionally, the Symphony’s Discovery Children’s Concerts and Symphony on the Road initiatives bring live music to underserved communities, ensuring that everyone has the chance to experience the joy of music.
The Community Chords performance scheduled for Upside Ukes embodies the festival’s spirit of unity and shared humanity. As the talented members of Upside Ukes share their music, they remind us that while we may have different abilities, we are all connected through the universal language of music. Don’t miss this inspiring group of performers as they showcase not only their musical talents but also their dedication to uplifting the community through music and love.
Catch Upside Ukes on the Family Stage Friday, September 20, 2024 at 7:05 PM.
For more info on Augusta Symphony and Community Chords visit: Augusta Symphony | Orchestra | Augusta, GA and Community Chords | Augusta Symphony