On Saturday, February 23, we had an Empowerment Jam Session at Our Shepherd Lutheran Church in Severna Park. There were about 25 to 30 people in attendance for this jam session. We had a coffee shop atmosphere which promoted a relaxed and social environment. We also had a guest guitarist and bass player join in with us during the session. We sang our opening song, did a 12 bar blues, and formed a drum circle where we chanted an empowering phrase. Since we had just celebrated Valentine’s Day, I performed, My Funny Valentine written by Richard Rodgers. Troupe also performed a song called, High Hopes by Panic at the Disco. I then invited others to share a song of their choice and suggested that everyone play along during the song share. After everyone finished sharing, I lead the group in the closing song.
I enjoy hosting these jam sessions because they give me an opportunity to sharpen my leadership and musical skills. When I am in a leadership position I focus on being patient and professional with other people. It also broadens my musical skills by expanding my repertoire of songs. I feel that leading jam sessions has increased my ability to improvise as a musician. The skills that I practice as a jam session leader, apply to all areas of my life. I personally know that regularly applying these skills are helping me become a better person.
We want to host future jam sessions at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, which is a local facility in Annapolis, Maryland. A recent goal of the jam session committee is to reach a bigger audience and be inclusive to people with and without disabilities. Performing at Maryland Hall would help us fulfill this goal. We want to have a jam session in the Maryland Hall Café so that we can continue to replicate the coffee shop atmosphere. I recently met with one of the café managers to discuss the logistics of hosting a jam session. We would like to have our next jam session in the spring.
We encourage everyone to come and participate in our Empowerment Jam Sessions. Jam Sessions are a great opportunity for people with and without disabilities to come and hang out, improvise, and make music together. If you are interested in attending a jam session, check back on The Musical Autist’s website for updates.
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