The air fills with a festive melody as handheld bells jingle and kazoos buzz in sync to the cheerful tune of Stan Francis’ “Jingle Jingle Jingle.” Students sing with enthusiasm, their voices blending together under the guidance of choir teacher Danielle Mullen, who conducts from the front of the room. This is no ordinary rehearsal. This is the Unified Performing Arts (UPA) program where exceptional learners and their peers join forces to create music, build confidence, and foster friendships.
“This past summer, my son Jackson participated in a Broadway Bootcamp in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma,” Mullen said. “As part of his experience there, the campers partnered and performed with the kids of an organization in their school system called Stars on Stage.”
Stars on Stage provides exceptional learners with the chance to shine in the spotlight. Each performer, known as a “Star,” is paired with a “Star Peer” who supports them throughout the process. Star Peers learn their Star’s lines, music and choreography, stepping in to assist whenever needed. Together, they ensure every Star feels confident and thrives on stage.
“It inspired me to create a program here that strives to create a similar experience for our students here,” Mullen said. “At the beginning of the school year, I contacted two of our exceptional learners’ teachers, Mrs. Gerard and Mrs. Lee, who shared the same vision and that’s how our Unified Performing Arts Program began.”
UPA has a similar approach, with student peers taking on a supportive role for the exceptional learners at every meeting, like a Star Peer would. Additionally, the majority of student peers have prior experience in performing arts—such as choir or theater.
“We have 25 Exceptional Singers, and 65 Peers involved in our program,” Mullen said. “I am so proud of how our student peers have stepped in and become such active participants and leaders during our rehearsals.”
Junior Claire Huntzinger is one of the 65 peers involved in UPA. She helped Mullen create the club and frequently attends rehearsals.
“I am a very active member in Best Buddies and choir, so I had immediate interest [when Mullen wanted to start UPA],” Huntzinger said. “This club has given students of all ability levels a safe space to dance and sing. It has been so fun to watch all the friendships form and to see everyone come out of their shells.”
Not only is it exciting for Huntzinger but Mullen as well.
“I’m so proud of our ‘Exceptional Singers’ for working so hard to learn new things about music, choreography, playing instruments, and working toward our first performance together,” Mullen said.
Beyond the music and the choreography, the friendships blossoming during these rehearsals have become the heart of the program.
“The joy our kids bring to every rehearsal makes this experience so rewarding and fulfilling,” Mullen said. “They are having so much fun together and have formed wonderful friendships.”
Anyone wanting to see UPA in action is encouraged to attend the annual choir holiday show, “Ring in the Holidays,” on either Dec. 5 or 6. This will be their first performance together on-stage. Tickets are available on PurplePass.
