Photo: Amelia dressed as an angel during JPII’s 2018 Christmas Program
JPII’s Annual Christmas Program is a performance backed by music therapy that will warm your heart.
SHILLINGTON – On Wednesday, December 18 at 12:30 P.M., the students at John Paul II Center for Special Learning will perform their annual Christmas Program for the public at the Center (1092 Welsh Road, Shillington). The special holiday event includes singing, dancing, and short skits as performed by our students.
JPII’s Christmas Program isn’t your typical Christmas show. It contains both traditional and non-traditional Christmas music and holiday skits. Through music therapy (as led by teacher and music therapist, Cindy Long), students practice diligently during the weeks leading up to the show and are able to work on not only social skills, but creativity and self-expression as well. The thrill of the performance is even able to help open up some of our more shy students, allowing them to express themselves in a fun and creative way.
Bringing even more meaning to the Christmas Program this year, John Paul II Center was recently the recipient of a $40,000 grant from The Neag Foundation that will support JPII’s music therapy services for not only the show, but for weekly sessions as well. The impact of music therapy leading up to and during the program is evident and this gift will ensure students and adults at JPII will be able to continue working on social and fine-motor skills.
Last year, JPII’s multipurpose room was at capacity with friends, family, and supporters of the school who gathered to watch the show.
JPII students always take pride in their performances and light up when they see their families in the crowd.
Those in attendance are sure to leave the show with a smile on their face, joy in their hearts, and a reminder of what Christmas really means.
