05 Jun Opening Doors Gozo Music Group
Last October, Opening Doors Association opened its first performing arts (music) group for
adults with intellectual disabilities in Gozo. The six performers in the group have been meeting
up every Saturday at the Gozo Visual and Performing Arts School in Xewkija. The group is
supported by the Ministry for Gozo.
The Gozo Music Group is led by group leader Paul Rapa and assisted by Esther Rapa. Since the
group members are all beginners, the performers have been working on simple rhythms and
dynamics on percussion instruments which were purchased with the support of Aġenzija
Żgħażagħ’s A4U scheme.
During the sessions, leader Paul sometimes gives the performers the opportunity to lead the session themselves – ‘They create their own simple rhythm and the other students follow. Expressing themselves through music, having fun and improving their self-esteem, are the main objectives of such sessions. It is a great achievement to see them with a smile on their faces whilst playing different percussion instruments.’
Following many weeks of training, the Gozo Music Group made their first public performance debut on the 4 and 5 May, at the Salesian Theatre during the Opening Doors Collective Performance 2019. The musicians performed a piece titled Rhythm Variations. More excitement followed when the group participated in its first Open Air Jam in Victoria, Gozo on the 13 May.
Opening Doors is thrilled with the group’s success and we hope they will continue to go from strength to strength. Well done guys!