Written by: Brian Rong, FCSN Voices Youth Reporter
Graphics by: Angel Li, FCSN Voices Graphic Artist

In the heart of the bustling community of Fremont, California, a unique and transformative music program is making waves. This program is spearheaded by Anna Wang, FCSN Co-Founder and Harrison Cheng, a longtime music teacher, and inspired by Annie Wen, a USC senior and former president and CEO of the tri-city band core for FCSN. The Special Needs Percussion Guard Program, founded in 2018 and having its first performance in 2019, is not just about creating music; it’s about fostering connections between students, building confidence, and empowering individuals with special needs through the universal language of rhythm.

Anna Wang’s journey into the world of special needs advocacy began with a deeply personal motivation. As a parent of a child with special needs, she understood the challenges and triumphs that come with this path. She co-founded FCSN to create a supportive environment where children with special needs could thrive. When she recognized a lack of musical programs within FCSN, she aimed to fill that gap with a Percussion Guard program that would address the educational, social, and emotional needs of special needs children.

Annie Wen, a college senior at USC at the time, was a driving force behind the program’s development. Her passion for working with special needs students and her role as the president and CEO of the tri-city band core inspired her to encourage the creation of the Percussion Guard program. Her vision, combined with the efforts of Anna Wang and Harrison Cheng, led to the establishment of a program that offers a rich and rewarding experience for its participants.

Harrison Cheng, a dedicated music educator with 20 years of experience, played a crucial role in bringing the Percussion Guard program to life. His expertise and passion for music education, combined with the inspiration from Anna Wang and Annie Wen, have contributed to the program’s success.

The Special Needs Percussion Program includes a variety of instruments, from drums of all sorts and keyboards to snare drums and other percussion instruments. The program’s goals are to provide a creative outlet through music, bring recognition to the students, and perform at parks and venues. Performances include the NCBA Winter Championships in Fairfield, and the program aims to expand its performance opportunities in the coming year, including potential appearances at the California Color Guard Circuit. They also host practices once a week.

“We aim to provide a space where our students can express themselves through music while also gaining recognition and experiencing the joy of performing,” says Harrison Cheng. “Music has always been a powerful medium of expression. For individuals with special needs, it can break barriers, open up new avenues of communication, and provide immense joy and fulfillment.”

The program welcomes participants of all ages and abilities and places a strong emphasis on inclusivity. The program has a variety of instruments ranging from simple hand-held percussion like tambourines and maracas to larger drums and xylophones. Each class begins with rhythmic exercises to familiarize participants with the instruments and the concept of keeping a beat, gradually progressing to more fast rhythms and collaborative pieces.

The instructors are highly qualified volunteers, including a head teacher with over 40 years of experience as a former band teacher at Mission San Jose High School. Training programs are in place for teaching assistants, ensuring they are well-prepared to work with special needs students. Volunteers are instrumental in teaching and interacting with students, and many are skilled musicians themselves.

Safety is a top priority in the program. Instruments are generally played on stands, minimizing the risk of injury. The practice sessions are held at the new FCSN center, with classes occurring for two hours once a week on Sundays. Family involvement is also key, with one family member required to be present at all times to assist with page turns and to help keep students calm, particularly when dealing with the challenges of loud instruments.

The program has faced challenges, such as teaching students to read music notes. To address this, teaching assistants color-code drums to simplify the learning process, ensuring that students know which drum to play and when to play it.

For many involved, the most rewarding aspect of the Special Needs Percussion Program is the opportunity to give back and see the joy and progress of the students. Both Anna Wang and Harrison Cheng find immense satisfaction in seeing students enjoy music and instruments.

Looking to the future, Mr. Cheng envisions expanding the Special Needs Percussion Guard Program to operate year-round, aiming to enhance its reach and impact. His plans include securing additional funding to support program growth and increasing performance opportunities for the participants. By doing so, he hopes to offer a more consistent and enriching experience for the students, allowing them to engage with music and performance on a regular basis. Mr. Cheng’s broader vision is to make this unique program accessible to special needs children across various regions, creating more opportunities for them to explore their musical talents, build confidence, and gain recognition. Through these efforts, he aims to foster a greater sense of inclusion and community, not only within the program but also in the wider world.

The Special Needs Percussion Program reflects the combined efforts of Anna Wang, Annie Wen, and Harrison Cheng. Their vision and dedication have been pivotal in creating a program that stands as a testament to the power of music.

To learn more about the Special Needs Percussion Program or to get involved, visit the Friends of Children with Special Needs (FCSN) website.