Performer Details
Performer Bio Synopsis
Through our own experiences, we know that the joy of learning in and performing with an ensemble can be life-changing for a child. We believe that all children, especially in the public school setting, should have this opportunity. Our goal is to support individual music educators in creating their own United Sound ensembles through training, support, and organizational resources so that all children have access to meaningful and authentic music education and musical experiences.
United Sound is a school-based instrumental music club for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities and their typical peers. Dedicated to promoting social involvement through shared ensemble performance experience, United Sound joins students with and without disabilities to learn and perform in the band or orchestra together.
The program is run primarily by an individual school band or orchestra director and a school special education teacher with support from United Sound in the form of specialized training, financial support, and organizational resources. With assistance from student volunteers (Peer Mentors), New Musicians learn to play the instrument of their choice at a personally modified level. Learning first in lesson format and ultimately transitioning to rehearsals with recorded music, the New Musicians learn a piece of music that they will then perform live in concert, once per semester, with their Peer Mentors and a full instrumental support ensemble.
Students who participate in United Sound programs are learning to be musicians. Making music together is a powerful force for learning, growth, friendship and understanding. Music is a language that transcends disability and the relationships formed in this way will truly resonate for all children involved.
United Sound
Conductor's Bio
Julie completed her undergraduate degree at Arizona State University in 1998, earning a Bachelor of Music in Music Education. She taught middle school band and served as a mentor teacher for nine years in Arizona. During that time her groups were recognized for musical excellence and had active involvement with Special Olympics Arizona, performing for their annual opening ceremony event.
Since leaving the classroom, Julie has remained dedicated to music education and community service. She is an active volunteer with Sunshine Acres Children’s Home in Mesa, Arizona, working as a grant writer and executive assistant. She volunteers within her church community as the leader of a regional orchestra and leads a 150 member children’s chorus. Julie also spends many hours each week volunteering in her local school district. She co-founded a parent advocacy group, Gilbert Music Matters, which works to bring parents and school district leaders together to improve music education.
Julie currently serves as the founder and executive director of United Sound, Inc. working with teachers, parents, and school administrators to bring meaningful participation and inclusivity to the instrumental music classroom. Julie is still an active musician, performing in the Tempe Symphonic Wind Ensemble for the past eighteen consecutive years. She works regularly for the Arizona Band and Orchestra Director’s Association as a judge and adjudicator for state-wide events. And is a mother to three adorable musicians of her own.
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