Da Capo Virginia marked the 10th anniversary of its innovative Vivo programming in Henry County Public Schools, dedicated to serving students with special needs, ages 2-22. This landmark initiative has transformed the educational landscape, providing exceptional music and arts instruction that empowers hundreds of students to communicate, express, and connect in meaningful ways.
Vivo has not only brought music and arts into the lives of students with disabilities but has also fostered purposeful inclusion with their neurotypical peers. Over the past decade, students have achieved remarkable milestones, often accomplishing things their families and teachers once thought impossible. Through collaborative concerts and artistic experiences, students have had the opportunity to perform, present, and captivate audiences, showcasing their talents alongside performers of all ability levels.
The program has hosted 16 large-scale collaborative concerts featuring contributions from a variety of partners within the community and the school district. Notable collaborators have included:
- Magna Vista High School Show Choir
- Laurel Park Middle School Choirs
- HCPS Elementary Music Staff
- Magna Vista High School Cheer Squads
- Visual Arts Departments at Laurel Park and Magna Vista High Schools
- Drama Department at Magna Vista High School
- Bojangles Bluegrass Band
- Local musicians
Vivo employs an arts integration approach that aligns with the Virginia Standards of Learning, emphasizing both artistic and academic goals. Additionally, the program focuses on social-emotional learning, empowering students to understand their identities, find belonging, and develop agency within their communities.
“We are proud to advocate for special education staff across the district and to provide essential support for families of students with disabilities,” said Tracee Prillaman, Executive Director and Vivo Program Lead. “Vivo is a testament to what can be achieved when we harness the power of music and the arts to uplift every student.”
As we celebrate this milestone, Da Capo Virginia looks forward to continuing to create inclusive and enriching experiences that inspire creativity and foster connections among all students. For more information about Vivo programming and upcoming events, please visit www.dacapova.org.
