Da Capo VA has been invited to present a live demonstration professional development session at the Virginia Music Educators Association (VMEA) annual Conference in Norfolk, Va. The session, entitled “Expecting Excellence from Exceptional Students,” will take place on Friday, November 22, and will explore the unique ways in which Da Capo’s groundbreaking Vivo program uses music and the arts to empower students with special needs.
This session will feature an all-star ensemble of students from Da Capo’s Vivo, INSPIRE, and HARMONY programs. Comprised of students ages 12-24, the ensemble will demonstrate the powerful impact of music instruction and experiences by performing a variety of pieces that showcase the personal growth and collective excellence of each student. Highlights will include a performance of “Getting to Know You” from The King and I, where students will demonstrate how the arts can foster communication and social connection. The group will also perform parachute choreography to the song “Rocketeer” by Far East Movement, illustrating how individual effort and coordination can come together to create something dynamic and impactful.
“At Da Capo, we believe that excellence is built one individual at a time,” said Tracee Prillaman, Executive Director of Da Capo VA. “By focusing on the strengths and growth of each student, we’re able to create a group dynamic where the excellence of the individual elevates the performance of the entire ensemble. This session will showcase how every student can contribute to a performance that is greater than the sum of its parts.”
The VMEA Conference will provide Da Capo VA an opportunity to share their innovative approach with music educators from across the state of Virginia. The session will highlight how the Vivo program, through individualized attention and unique performance opportunities, nurtures the talents of students with special needs, helping them build confidence, communication skills, and musical ability.
In a show of appreciation for the transformative impact of Da Capo’s programs, a parent of a student in the INSPIRE program raised the funds to cover the full cost of the students’ travel to Norfolk. In just three weeks, this dedicated parent sold candy bars and shared her daughter’s progress with the community, raising the necessary funds to ensure that every student and staff member could attend the conference at no cost. “I’m so grateful to Da Capo for turning my daughter’s dimmed light back on,” said INSPIRE parent Sarah Adkins.
While in Norfolk, in addition to performing, the Da Capo students and staff will have the opportunity to explore local attractions, including a visit to Nauticus and the USS Wisconsin. The trip will provide students with additional learning experiences and memories to cherish, all while demonstrating how music and the arts can make a profound difference in the lives of young people of all ability levels.
Da Capo VA’s participation in the VMEA Conference is a testament to the organization’s continued dedication to making music accessible for all students, regardless of ability. Through programs like Vivo, INSPIRE, and HARMONY, Da Capo is building a future where excellence, inclusion, and creativity flourish.
