Members of a Lawrence band are being recognized by the state for their work exploring music-making across abilities.
The Kansas Commission on Disability Concerns will present the 2024 Michael Lechner Advocacy Award to the Pre-Pandemic Ensemble, or PPE, according to a KU news release.
PPE uses an instrument called Adaptive Use Musical Instrument on iPads. AUMI, which is free, open access software, aims to make music accessible for people of all abilities. It allows users to play sounds and create musical phrases through their movements.
“You have to put hard work into it, and you can’t do it without other people. We all have to work together,” ensemble member Drew White said in the release.
According to the KCDC website, the award is given annually to individuals or groups advocating in their communities for people with disabilities.
“The Pre-Pandemic Ensemble demonstrates to the public that people with disabilities have talent, hope, inclusion and passion for music,” the release states.
PPE began with monthly jam sessions at the Lawrence Public Library and continued through the pandemic isolation period with virtual meetups. Monthly jams are set to resume this September at the library’s Sound+Vision Studio for people of all ages and abilities, with no experience necessary.
Ensemble members Sherrie Tucker and Ray Mizumura-Pence are also faculty members in the University of Kansas Department of American Studies. KU’s research team dedicated to AUMI released an editorial book, which Tucker and other AUMI users co-authored.
Although AUMI is preloaded with hundreds of sounds, PPE members enjoy gathering original sounds. White said Royal Crest Lanes in Lawrence is his favorite place to record new sounds.
“A musical piece might include such an array of sounds as a bowling ball smashing into pins, a loop of someone playing recorder, kitchen percussion and kalimba,” according to the release.
Special Olympics Kansas was also selected for a 2024 Michael Lechner Advocacy Award alongside PPE. Awards will be presented Aug. 2, according to the release. See previous award recipients and learn more about the award on the KCDC’s website, kcdcinfo.ks.gov.
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Maya Hodison (she/her), equity reporter, can be reached at mhodison (at) lawrencekstimes (dot) com. Read more of her work for the Times here. Check out her staff bio here.
