The event highlights musical performers who are part of the MSU Music Therapy Clinic and the MSU Community Music School.

After 12 years of showcasing the talents of musical performers with special needs, MSU’s decision to place a moratorium on the music therapy program will end the on-campus Celebrate Abilities Recital. The event that has brought together families, friends and community members all supporting the special needs community.

Next year will be the last time Celebrate Abilities will be held on campus and open to students to participate.

“We can’t end this — it’s too popular and successful, and the way it’s grown over the years, it means so much to the special needs community,” MSU music therapist Cindy Edgerton said.

Edgerton, who has been a music therapist for more than 30 years, said the event will be continued at another location, despite the moratorium on the music therapy program.

Michelle Knechtges, who was in a car accident and now has a traumatic brain injury, sang “What a Wonderful World,” while Scott Fields who has disabilities due to an accident, played guitar with the help of Josh Chapin, a music therapy and psychology senior.

Both Knechtges and Fields have attended the Celebrate Abilities event for the past 12 years and have performed with a variety of instruments.

“Michelle is the kind of person who shines a light in a dark place and I think her choosing this particular song was probably just part of her message and tells a part of who she is,” music therapy senior Jenny Cook said.

Cook sang along with Knechtges and Fields, in a performance that brought audience member’s to tears as the group showcased their talent and passion for music to the well-known tune.

“So many people forget that when they see these people they forget they can do these things and that’s what we’re celebrating — their abilities. It’s just a chance for them to be able to show off what they can do,” Cook said. “Michelle and a lot of them look forward to this because it’s their big moment to shine — they don’t get to showcase their abilities very often.”

Teunis said the event is important to the special needs community because it brings people together in a positive environment and impresses many onlookers who have never witnessed such a unique event.

Celebrate Abilities helps music therapy clients gain confidence and supports their progress by surrounding them in a positive environment of people from different backgrounds who share the same appreciation for music and music therapy, Teunis said.

“It helps our clients work towards their therapeutic goals and isn’t something they just do — it has a benefit towards them and gives them a chance to perform in front of their peers,” Teunis said.

The events final performance invited audience members to get up in front of the crowd and play instruments improvisationally as one group.

“It doesn’t matter if you have a disability or if you don’t have a disability — you’re just up there enjoying the musical experience,” Edgerton said. “This provides some normalcy in their life and so many times people with disabilities have their lives focused on what they can’t do and when they get up there, there is just a wonderful interaction that occurs and no matter who you are, everyone’s singing and playing together.”