The arts world holds much truth for all
people and can be extremely intriguing for the human mind. These
characteristics apply to all living creatures, especially those who live in
another “dimension,” outside of the normal 3-D world.
For example, if a person has lost some
typical attributes like motion -- and the ability to control movement through
the interplay with gravity, they may become disabled, with their motor memories
frozen and atrophied in their brain. And yet, when they’re given a chance to
experience music and the arts, another neuropath may be created in the brain
which can open up new experiences, memories, and enjoyment.
My music career began with my brother and I
lip-syncing R&B hits when I was 12 years old. We went to parties and gained
some local recognition. Then we formed a band and started playing at sock hops
and at community events.
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| G.L. Cole & The Shades |
During this time, my sister was interested in
and talented in music, sound, and the beat. She was born with a disorder called
Down’s Syndrome. When Down’s people focus, they go all the way, especially in
an “I love you” way. My brothers and I did things around the home with our
little sister, and a school dance gave us an opportunity to play for her and
her friends. We played, and they treated us as if we were the “Beatles” (asking
for autographs, etc.!). And so began my
love of working with differently abled audiences. My father always told me when
we met a person living with a disability, ”They are just like you and me
inside!”
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| Wayne & Family |
Twenty years ago, the mother of one of my
friends asked if I wanted to play music for the lady friends she was
supervising. When I arrived, it turned out that the ladies were in the late stages
of Alzheimer’s. I thought they looked “rough,” but my friend suggested that I
go ahead and play and let’s see what happens. I started with “Ain’t She Sweet,” and these women became
animated and started talking. And they looked
better, in terms of their energy and facial expressions. I was astounded,
and thoroughly enjoyed the occasion. I kept the experience in my mind, but it
was a number of years before I had a chance to play in a similar venue again.
Five or six years ago, I was given the
opportunity to play at a therapeutic summer camp for teens with physical and
emotional disabilities. I found the use of rhythm instruments helped some enjoy
playing with the beat. Shortly after that, VSA asked if I would be interested
in setting up some performances for disabled adults, and I was excited for the
chance.
My first gigs -- now called “workshops” -- were
learning experiences, and the percussion and rhythm instruments were a plus. I
started conducting music workshops through the Arc of the Piedmont at three
different locations.
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| Wayne at the Arc of the Piedmont |
Then I was asked to go to Worksource, an
organization where differently-abled individuals are given ways to feel
independent through meaningful, real-world tasks.
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| Wayne with Steven at Worksource |
Later, through VSA, two area high school
Special Ed groups were added, and I played guitar and supported two young
singers in the VSA Music Recital.
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| Wayne & Girls at the VSA Music Recital |
During this same period, a group of
Bluegrass musicians I play with started doing music programs at various senior
centers and nursing homes. (There is a link to us playing at a nursing home at
the end of this blog post if you’re interested in seeing and hearing us play.)
Time and time again, we noticed how people with Alzheimer's just “wake up” and
enjoy the music while we are playing. The power of music is profound, and I
want to set up more projects for people living with Alzheimer’s.
As I became aware of more senior citizen
groups in the area, I set up a music workshop at the Golden Living center. I
have enjoyed great times with these folks! VSA also made songwriter workshops
available, and this gave me the opportunity to work with other musicians to
encourage an inclusive song writing experience for young people.
There are large groups of challenged youth
and adults in group homes during the day, and I had a dream of doing a music
television program that would allow them to receive the relaxing gift of music
wherever they were. So, I called Charlottesville Public Television and spoke to
the director, Calvin Tate. When I told
Calvin my dream, he said, “We can do that!”
As a result, my program Soundaffects is now a monthly, 30-minute
TV show on Comcast cable Channel 13. Through CPA-TV, the 30th
episode of this program aired in March 2017. CPA-TV allows me to copy DVDs
of the program so that I can give them to venues and individuals who request
them. I also have each episode posted on my website.
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| Wayne on CPA-TV's Soundaffects |
The music workshops and the TV program have
been a blessing for me, and I will continue to seek ways to bring the gift of
music to those who need it.
In the future, I would love to coordinate a
concert series for differently abled individuals and include their caregivers. transportation
assistants and family members. Dream big, and be willing to use your
talents for the best benefit of all!
This is Week 12 of 52 Artists in 52 Weeks.
Thank you for reading and sharing Wayne’s story today. To connect with him and
see (and hear) more of his work, please visit the following links:
