Special Academy Hosts Special Dreams Concert

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ELLEN LI
Staff Writer

Most of us grow up with some kind of dream. Some people might wish to star in their own movies. Others might opt for a different route and wish to become firefighters or doctors when they grow up. Regardless of what the dream is, if there is a will to fulfill it, it can be done. However, for some people who have obstacles to overcome, this can prove difficult.
This is where the Academy of Special Dreams hopes to level the playing field. According to the Special Academy, “all persons, regardless of their disabilities, should have equal opportunities to express their talents and to be successful in the Arts.” This is accomplished through the promotion of awareness to artists in the special needs community.
One of these opportunities of recognition will be available at the first “Vive the Special DREAM Concert 2011,” which will be hosted by this nonprofit foundation and the Academy Art Club at AHS. The concert, titled “A Musical Explosion of the Senses,” will be held in the AHS auditorium on May 31 from 6-8 p.m.
This event will feature live performances of up-and-coming musicians with disabilities who will play a variety of musical numbers, as well as other individuals and musical groups who will play original songs to show their support for the special needs community, such as the Los Angeles rock band Monte Negro.
Besides this display of musical talents, there will also be an art exhibit in the auditorium lobby featuring artists from both AHS and the Special Academy. In addition, five senior artists featured in the exhibit will be awarded scholarships during the show.
A minimum donation of five dollars is requested for the purchase of tickets. The money donated will be used to fund the scholarships such as the ones that will be awarded at this concert.
“[Through this concert, we hope] to increase public awareness, recognition and appreciation of the creative talents of people with disabilities by providing opportunities that encourage, promote and showcase their artistic expressions,” Special Academy President and CEO Michael Dergar said.