LALS 360 Jam Program begins its fifth year in Vancouver

Allow me to take you on a journey into our classroom, filled with the hopeful faces of non-neurotypical youth. Their hearts beat to a unique cadence, a rhythm that speaks to their souls. This is where our LALS 360 Jam Program takes flight. Together with our passionate team of instructors, we’ve crafted a sanctuary of creativity, a space where barriers dissipate, and harmony emerges.

This unique music education initiative is meticulously designed to address the emotional and cognitive needs of non-neurotypical youth in Grades 8 through 12. Over the course of four years, in partnership with the Learning Assistance/Life Skills (LA/LS) class at Vancouver’s Eric Hamber Secondary School, we’ve fine-tuned this program. The transformation we’ve witnessed has been nothing short of extraordinary – profound improvement in self-regulation, teamwork, confidence, and pride among the young participants.

Krysten Lindquist, a dedicated classroom teacher, shared with us, “The 360 Jam program provided an outlet for our students, many of whom communicate in unique ways, to discover fresh avenues of self-expression in a nurturing environment. Each student, even those initially apprehensive, chose to take part in the final concert at the end of the school year. This experience empowered them to conquer their fears and build connections, not just in the classroom, but in the world of music collaboration. The acquisition and application of new skills every week built a confidence that extended far beyond the program.”

We’re delighted to share that several other schools within the Vancouver School District have expressed interest in joining this incredible journey. With your continued support, we’re poised to make this a reality.