As the song “Life is a Highway” played out in the auditorium, The Rock and Rollers, led by band director Dennis Lindsay, rolled down the isles with their horns honking.
The band members were excited for their first concert together as a percussion ensemble and the audience fed the excitement with cheers and applause. The musicians came together center stage just in time for the chorus and added their own musical flair. “Life is a highway I wanna ride it all night long,” freshman Sylas MacDonald sang before they rolled on down the highway isles and out the auditorium doors.
Lindsay has been a high school band director for 35 years. Developing a new class and curriculum is a daunting task, but Lindsay is up for the challenge.
“Having a cousin with a disability that my high school friends and I included in our daily activities made me want to make sure that would happen for others now,” Lindsay said.
“For me, a lack of experience is a challenge to be able to create music with musicians who may face different kinds of challenges than I’ve typically taught,” Lindsay said. “So I’m learning right along with the rest of everybody, trying to figure out new ways to teach music, which is sort of fun.”
During class rehearsals the students get to interact with many different musical instruments. With Lindsay’s help the students who have different abilities are learning ways to modify and adapt instruments to allow for their highest level of independence.
MacDonald joined the band this year. “I like being in the band,” MacDonald said. “My favorite part is playing the drums.”
Parent Elena MacDonald said this class has been amazing for her son Sylas. “In past situations where Sylas was supposed to perform on stage, he refused so I was not sure if he would even go on the stage,” MacDonald said. “Being part of this unified band has increased his confidence and his comfort level on stage.”
Student Support Services Assistant Director Denise Cote is excited for this new music opportunity for students.
“A unified band class offers a transformative opportunity for students to develop meaningful connections across diverse abilities. By working together, students in special education and general education can build empathy, collaboration, and mutual respect. This inclusive approach fosters a sense of belonging and community, enhances both social-emotional growth and musical skills. It’s a program that not only enriches individual participants but also strengthens the district’s commitment to inclusivity and innovation in education,” Cote said.
The band chose the name The Rock and Rollers to represent many of the musician’s modes of mobility and their love of music. They prefer a fast-paced rock and roll beat to jam out as they are learning to play music together as a unified band. The band also has their own music video. It was posted on Dec. 18 on the district Facebook page and featured in the SAHS E-News on Dec. 20. It emulates a video you can see on YouTube for the song “Unforgettable” by Godsmack. The video is a tribute to the musicians in action while they learn and create music together. Starring many students from the high school’s unified band and gym classes, it showcases that when we work together anything is possible.
“My highlight of this group is probably always the next rehearsal, because there’s always something new to look forward to,” Lindsay said. Music is a universal language. It brings people of all abilities together whether you are listening to it, singing it, or playing it.
“Unified programs like this highlight the power of collaboration and shared experiences in breaking down barriers. They create opportunities for all students to learn from each other’s strengths and perspectives, preparing them for diverse communities beyond high school. I’m excited to see how initiatives like the unified band class can inspire growth, creativity, and lasting friendships among students,” Cote said.
The band is now rehearsing for their final concert of their first year together. The Bang on the Drum concert is a percussion extravaganza held each year near the end of the school year. The Rock and Rollers will be leading the song “Unforgettable” along with other percussionists while their music video of the song plays on screen behind them.
“Anybody that wants to collaborate and make music, this is the place to be. They should come and join us because it’s a lot of fun to participate and work together,” Lindsay said.