Musician Roy Ayers said, “The true beauty of music is that it connects people. It carries a message and we, the musicians, are the messengers.” For Goodwill participants in the Day Services Choir at the James O. Wright Center for Work and Training (JOW) program, the message expressed through song is that regardless of individual differences, we all have a gift to share with the world.The JOW Day Services Choir consists of clients from Goodwill’s Day Services and Life Skills Development programs in Milwaukee. Choir director Kimbly H. and assistant director Marquita F., both Day Services Recreation Assistants at JOW, have worked with participants to select songs that showcase the group’s talents and reflect their musical interests. The choir represents a voluntary commitment; each participant involved in the group must attend rehearsals twice each week. While all of the choir members are committed to developing their vocal talents, they also are aware of their responsibility to each other and to their future audiences. Participant soloist Christa C. expressed how important regular attendance and participation is to the group. “We have to come to rehearsals and we all have to practice so that we are ready to sing in front of people,” she said. “If somebody isn’t singing then we don’t sound the same, like the way we’re supposed to.” 
In addition to reinforcing teamwork and responsibility, the choir and its regular rehearsals also provide program participants with opportunities to develop and maintain vital memory skills and to improve their self-esteem. Through consistent, repeated exposure to the music and lyrics, participants who may have struggled with retaining new information as a result of developmental disabilities or traumatic brain injuries have found success and satisfaction in their ability to memorize the songs, which will be featured in their upcoming performances. For their October performances, Directors Kimbly and Marquita have encouraged participants who express interest in singing to try out at rehearsal, an environment that is supportive and inclusive. All members also understand that the choir rehearsals are safe spaces without judgment for themselves and their peers.
The JOW Day Services Choir will be performing in October as a part of the "Tap the Potential" Disability Awareness month. The choir performed at JOW on October 12 and will perform at the Goodwill Center for Work and Training – Southwest campus (Greendale) on October 18. "Tap the Potential," initiated by the Milwaukee County Office for Persons with Disabilities, seeks to highlight the interests and abilities of individuals with disabilities in and around Milwaukee.
This year marks the 14th anniversary of "Tap the Potential" with multiple events happening around the community and across multiple organizations including: Goodwill, Independence First, MCFI, Easter Seals, Curative, ARC Milwaukee, Milwaukee Public Theater, VSA, Spina Bifida of Wisconsin, Life Navigators, Accenture and Donna Lexa.
More information about "Tap the Potential" and related upcoming events can be found on the Milwaukee County website.
