Educational Media Reviews Online

Students who would like to play in school bands in high school and college should be able to take part in this activity, whether they are able or disabled. This film focuses on students, their parents, band directors, and a professor of music to show how this goal can be accomplished. Through the use of live-action film and stills, the experiences of three students with different disabilities are shown, with plenty of personal comments by the students themselves, their parents, and teachers.

The film examines common reasons for exclusion, the benefits of inclusion, and practical actions that can be taken to achieve a successful result for the students, the schools, families, and communities. The positive effects on peers, too, comes forth through narration and interviews with fellow band members and a peer aide. The film clearly shows the collaboration among many people that goes into making inclusion work.

The technical aspects of this film are good. The visuals and sound are of high quality. The script and editing make the subject interesting and provide a variety of views and scenes to keep it moving along. The three students who are highlighted provide interesting and different experiences. Their comments, as well as those of the parents and band directors featured, are testament to the good things that can happen when inclusion is achieved. The film ends on a high note with a song written and performed by one of these students.

Resources on the DVD accessible through a computer include information on the Americans with Disabilities Act and a Guide to Disability Rights Laws.

While the audience for this film seems fairly narrow – band directors – it would also be instructive for college students planning to go into music education at any level. Parents of disabled children who wish to participate in a band may also find it useful.