Unlocking the Power of Music and Dance: Creating an Inclusive Learning Environment for Special Needs Individuals

Special needs individuals thrive in an education environment tailored to their individual needs. Verbal communication may be a challenge for them, but music can provide an effective means of expression, allowing them to communicate through sound and visual images. To ensure the success of the Virtual Music and Hip-Hop program, we created interactive, tailored courses in different subjects to introduce special needs individuals to the wide array of stimuli that can spark their curiosity. Continue reading Unlocking the Power of Music and Dance: Creating an Inclusive Learning Environment for Special Needs Individuals

First Post-Pandemic Summer Dance Camp 2022

From June 20 to July 18, FCSN held its 2022 Summer Dance Camp at the South Bay Center in San Jose. The camp consisted of weekly Monday lessons from 3:30-4:30 PM. Instructed by student volunteers Claire Luo and Melinda Wong, this summer dance camp taught students fun dance moves, while also encouraging overall fitness and being physically active. In a typical lesson, the two instructors would first lead students in warm-ups, stretches, and “across the floor” exercises. Then, they would spend the remaining 30 minutes teaching students two dance practices. Continue reading First Post-Pandemic Summer Dance Camp 2022

Blue Devils Special Needs Guard–Paving the Way to Inclusive Performing Arts

On April 2, 2022, the Blue Devils’ Special Needs Guard performed at the Circuit Championship held at Independence High School. They were the last performance of the day — a position typically reserved for the most honored performing position. Dancing to This Is Me from The Greatest Showman, a song that fittingly describes the challenging journey of all special needs performers, all the members gave it their all and proudly showed off the moves that they have practiced for so long. Continue reading Blue Devils Special Needs Guard–Paving the Way to Inclusive Performing Arts

Special Needs Talent Showcase Through the Years

Founded in 2015, the showcase gives special needs individuals the opportunity to display their talents, passions, and abilities. Through the pandemic, the showcase has faced its share of challenges. However, the event emerged successful, pioneering a Zoom and in-person hybrid model for the auditions and final competition for 2022. Continue reading Special Needs Talent Showcase Through the Years

The Gift of Music–The Inspirational Story of the Dream Achievers Band

Alice Jen, Greg Hebert, and Lawrence Wang are talented musicians with autism who have given countless performances all over the world, changing the public’s perceptions of people with special needs. To get to where they are today, each of them experienced very different journeys, both in terms of music and in their personal lives. Continue reading The Gift of Music–The Inspirational Story of the Dream Achievers Band

Connecting Communities One Performance at a Time: Music in the Park

Since 2017, FCSN parent Sufen and her talented musician son Chiling would regularly bring instruments to the local parks and perform for the community. In addition to sharing his musical talents, they hope to bring the community together, and destigmatize the autistic community through such performances. Continue reading Connecting Communities One Performance at a Time: Music in the Park

Bop to the Top: Teaching Karaoke Class

FCSN youth volunteer Sara Kuang shares her experience teaching Matthew karaoke. Despite awkward moments during the first session, Sara quickly pivoted and tailored the classes to fit Matthew’s interests. In the process, they both learned a lot from each other, had an amazing time singing karaoke, and developed a genuine friendship. Continue reading Bop to the Top: Teaching Karaoke Class

2021 Summer Advanced Music Camp Concert

One of our most anticipated summer camps is the Music Camp, where campers come together to rehearse and practice several songs over 3 days, and put on a performance on the final day of camp. This year, despite the pandemic, 15 talented campers delivered yet another wonderful virtual concert. Continue reading 2021 Summer Advanced Music Camp Concert