Montalvo Arts Center’s Education Program proudly presents The Rhythm Makers!
This special evening of song and dance is the culmination of a year of preparation and rehearsal by a dedicated group of performers, directors and professional musicians. The Rhythm Makers, a 21-member rhythm band comprised of adult musicians with developmental disabilities, began in 1999 as a partnership between Montalvo Arts Center and HOPE Services to expand opportunities in the arts for adults with cognitive and physical disabilities.
This enthusiastic group—alongside non-disabled volunteers with musical backgrounds—rehearse with conductor and music director David Ladd Anderson. The band performs on professional percussion instruments using a variety of musical styles, including marches, pop tunes, salsa, jazz and ballads.
Now celebrating its eighth year as a group, The Rhythm Makers continue to blossom under the talented direction of David Ladd Anderson. The program enriches the lives of all who participate and certainly of those fortunate enough to see their annual June performance.
The Rhythm Makers concert is generally held the first or second Monday in June. Check back in the Spring for more information on The Rhythm Makers 2008.
Special thanks to the following dedicated individuals and organizations for their support of this program:
- David Ladd Anderson, Conductor & Music Director
- Wayne Malarich, Assistant Director
- Deana Stevenson, Assistant Director
- Laura Bratt, Costume Designer
- Davina Carlson-Racinez, Choreographer
- David Ladd’s Downtown Allstars: Steve Czarnecki (organ, keyboard, bass, vocals), Andy Morales (drums, percussion, vocals), Mike Renwick (guitar & vocals)
- HOPE Services
- Rod Adams, Superintendent, Santa Clara Unified School District
- Kyle Eaton, Principal, Buchser Middle School
- Rhythm Makers Parent Advisory Committee: Deana Stevenson (Chairperson), Jenny Chen, Anne Chiang, Art Furtado, Marge Kirby
To learn how you can support Montalvo, The Rhythm Makers, and programs like this, click here.