Musical Aspirations
Aspire iXpress program creates rock band
by ELIZABETH TAUFA Reporter
Developmental disabilities don't limit a person's capabilities. That is the message that Aspire of Western New York hopes to convey with their programs that, among others, include the iXpress program.

Percussionists John Baker, with maracas, and Jeff Stellrecht, on bongos, are members of Universal Mind, a band comprising individuals with developmental disabilities, as well as musician volunteers, such as bassist Mike McDougall, right. Also pictured are vocalist Carlotta Tullis of Buffalo, John Covert on keyboards, vocalist Shelia Bradbury and drummer Ron Canazzi. Photos by John Rusac Purchase photos online at www. Beenews. com

Through Aspire's iXpress art program, participants are led through an artistic process designed to fuel personal inspiration, improve communication skills and develop a stronger sense of self.

While previously a visual art program, iXpress has begun to branch out to drama, dance and music.

One of the newest iXpress undertakings is Universal Mind, a band comprising individuals with developmental disabilities and musician volunteers.

Cheektowaga resident Ron Canazzi, Universal Mind primary drummer who is blind, keeps the beat for the band at a recent performance at Aspire's 60th anniversary celebration.

"We had folks coming in for counseling who had various musical abilities, and we thought this would be a great forum for them," said Al Saladino, a social work consultant and band member.

Auditions for Universal Mind were held last summer.

"We were looking for individuals who were committed, talented and willing to put in the effort," Saladino said.

One of those individuals is Ron Ecker, who plays guitar and sings.

"I was in three successful bands in the 70s and 80s," he said. "This band is really solid."

Ecker, who is a Depew resident and wheelchair-bound, is one of nine band members, including Saladino, who plays lead keyboard.

Because Aspire began as an organization that provided services for individuals with cerebral palsy, many of the band members have it. However, other members have other disabilities, such as the band's drummer, Ron Canazzi of Cheektowaga, who is blind.

The iXpress program originally included only the visual arts but today encompasses all artistic endeavors, including music, as shown by Universal Mind keyboardist and Tonawanda resident John Covert.

Other band members include John Covert of Tonawanda on keyboards, Mike McDougall of Niagara Falls on bass, who is also the band leader, East Aurora residents John Baker and Jeff Stellrecht, who both play percussion, vocalists Carlotta Tullis of Buffalo and Shelia Bradbury of Tonawanda, and band coach, percussionist and East Aurora resident Jodee Reeland.

McDougall, a professional area musician, was hired to direct the band by Saladino, who was his advisor at Niagara Community College, where McDougall is studying chemical dependency counseling.

"We're (the band) well-practiced and well-put-together," he said. "It just seems to get better and better each time we meet."

Rather than try to fit the band into a specific genre of music, Saladino said that the music choices have simple qualifications.

"We try to play danceable music," he said. "That's anything from classic rock, soul, funk and ballads. We just try to bring out the best in what we have."

"It's really an eclectic mix," said Ecker. "We play all types."

Universal Mind is currently booked through the holiday season with different "industry gigs," which include performances for groups that are similar to Aspire.

However, both Saladino and Aspire executive director Tom Sy are looking to push the band out into more traditional band settings in the community.

"The more traditional gigs they can get, the better," Sy said. "There's no question that they're good enough."

Sy noted that he is pleased with the way the iXpress program has evolved from a strictly visual art standpoint.

"If you had asked me a year ago where I thought this was headed, I would have thought I knew the answer, but this is very different," he said. "Now I don't know, but that's a good thing."

Universal Mind will be playing at the fourth annual Aspiring Artists Art and Wine Celebration from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 7 at Aspire of WNY's headquarters, 2356 North Forest Road in Getzville.

In addition to hearing the band, attendees are invited to view the art of Aspire artists, sample food and wine, and partake in an auction.

All proceeds will benefit the iXpress Art Program.

Tickets are $20 presale and $25 at the door. Registrations should be made by Aug. 29.

For more information or tickets to the event, call 505-5510 or e-mail RSVP@aspirewny. org or visit the Web site online at www.aspirewny.org.

e-mail: etaufa@beenews.com