Grand Rapids holds a strong choral tradition. Just looking at our member organizations, there are choral groups designed solely for men, solely women and even children’s choirs. One of our more exceptional choral groups is A Very Special Choir.

VSA arts of Michigan – Grand Rapids has created a "Very Special Choir," which provides a choral opportunity for adults with disabilities from throughout West Michigan. VSA is a non-profit agency that connects people with disabilities to the arts.

"The choir is fully inclusive," Michele Suchovsky, Executive Director of VSA explained, "and is geared towards providing choral arts for people with disabilities who have no formal training or experience." Like most choirs, they work on many aspects of singing and choral technical development. However, this choir is different because it also helps its members develop social connections and community participation.

Suchovsky feels that A Very Special Choir "gives [the members] a new level of confidence to participate in the public and community life, or to even speak up." She further explained how many people with disabilities become used to being overlooked and are not typically comfortable sharing their opinions, especially in group situations.

After participating in the choir, some members seemed to come out of their shells. It was evident this past March when the choir was performing at the statewide Council for Exceptional Annual Conference. The choir performed before the keynote speaker and, when they finished, the audience gave them a standing ovation. Many of the choir members became so excited they started jumping up and down, giving each other high-fives. "That level of joy and exuberance from singing and performing is at the heart of why anyone sings," Suchovsky concluded.

In addition, for many of the choir members, economic and transportation issues can create significant barriers to meaningful participation in the general community. The choir allows members to make friends and social connections. It improves their quality of life.

Almost all members of the choir have, at some time, needed financial-based support. In fact, 90% of the choir receives some kind of tuition assistance. "There are many economic barriers," Suchovsky continued. "Without the Minigrant program the opportunity for this choir would be impossible." The Arts Council was proud to have supported A Very Special Choir through a Minigrant funded by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. The Arts Council also supports VSA’s choral groups and outreach programs through arts education grants.

Under the artistic direction of Amy Mulder Gould, the choir rehearses every Thursday afternoon, September through May, at Kuyper College and has several community concerts throughout the year. We encourage you to attend a performance of the choir during their 2008-09 season.