Disability music charity targets Broadway performance

A musical ensemble comprising individuals with learning disabilities aims to perform on Broadway in New York City, honoring the memory of a deceased Member of Parliament. David Stanley, the founder of the Music Man Project, established in Essex a quarter-century ago, expressed his aspiration to bring approximately 30 musicians to the Big Apple for a two-hour performance. Sir David Amess, the Conservative Member of Parliament for Southend West, had been a supporter of the charity for multiple years prior to his passing in 2021, and had articulated his vision of taking the group to the United States. “In his memory we want to perform on Broadway to show that good can overcome evil and have a lasting legacy of something truly unique for musicians with learning disabilities,” Mr Stanley stated. The organization, which now operates groups throughout England, has commenced fundraising efforts to realize Sir David’s aspiration. The group has previously performed at venues such as the London Palladium and the Royal Albert Hall, and also appeared with the Royal Air Force band before an audience of 20,000 at the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo in Canada. “Everywhere they’ve gone, they’ve just blown the audiences away and it’s proved they can travel and they can perform and they can cross those international barriers,” Mr Stanley further commented. On Thursday, the Music Man Project was among eight organizations based in Essex to be honored with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service. This award holds a status equivalent to an MBE and represents the highest national commendation for voluntary organizations. Claire Alderton, who has performed alongside the group in both Italy and Canada, expressed her pride in serving as an ambassador for the charity. “Having a hidden disability, I had a lot of trouble with that at school, but I just feel like Music Man is somewhere I belong and they all like me,” she informed the BBC at the Salvation Army Church in Leigh-on-Sea, the venue where the group conducts rehearsals twice weekly. Her friend, Wendy Wilson, who became a member of the Music Man Project two decades ago, stated her enjoyment of singing and motivating others to participate in music. “I have made loads of friends,” she further remarked. For updates on Essex news, follow BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.