LAKE ASBURY – Their 30-minute session was complete, but Lake Asbury Junior High music teacher Amanda Jones had to remind the Exceptional Student Education department musicians it was time to put their instruments away because the students' parents were waiting outside.

It was equally difficult for the peer mentor students to put down their batons and close their music books.

“A big part of the program is not just the music, but also the relationships that the students build with each other,” said Principal Lydia Creel. “These are relationships that resonate.”

The program is called United Sound, which removes barriers and fosters social change through music. Lake Asbury is the only school in the district that works with peer mentors, teaching artists, specialists, educators and United Sound training to support the ESE students.

According to the district, the department provides organizational resources and curriculum to leverage individual strengths to create equitable opportunities for students with learning disabilities like Autism Spectrum Disorder and developmental delay. The focus is on individualized education plans and meeting the unique needs of these students.

Band members at junior high volunteer to teach ESE students to play instruments after school. In the process, all students created a special bond beyond the sounds of a trumpet, tuba and drum.

“Kids with special needs don't typically get the opportunity to be in electives and extracurriculars, so this is a really cool way to include them,” student C.J. Williams said.

Rayelynn Dunn said she waves or greets her classmates from United Sound when they change classes. For many ESE students, it’s their first time feeling included.

“Personally, I feel like we get more from United Sound because we get to see how they grow,” Rayelynn said. “We get to see their enjoyment every Thursday. They're typically so excited to be here because this is the one time a week they get to sit down, play an instrument and be with their friends. We get to bond with them, too. It's fun to see them learn and enjoy it as much as we do.”

“Whenever you come to Lake Asbury Junior High, we want everyone to be an example,” Creel said.

Jones was thumbing through a music educator magazine when she saw a story about United Sound. She liked the fact that ESE students could participate with her band students. Better yet, there were no grades or set standards other than a love for music.

“We could meet them where they are,” she said. “They get to get better and progress on their own terms.

“Their catchphrase is ‘Relationships that Resonate.’ So, a big part of the program is the music and the relationships the students build with each other.”

The ESE students will join the band at a springtime concert at the school’s cafeteria at 6:30 p.m. on April 29. The peer mentors are sure to have front-row seats for the performance.

“I’m just so proud of these students, my classmates,” Rayelynn said.