Classical Music

Dialogue on Disability: Celebrating Abilities

Since 2003 WXXI and the Al Sigl Community of Agencies have worked together with the Herman and Margaret Schwartz Community to help break the ingrained stereotypes about individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities. The year-round project called MOVE TO INCLUDE, is designed to motivate individuals to take action and include more people with disabilities in the workplace, in schools, neighborhoods and in all aspects of society. Dialogue on Disability, a week-long spotlight initiative takes place every January, and is supported by the Fred L. Emerson Foundation with additional support from The Golisano Foundation.

Musicians of Rochester: Gaelen McCormick

Classical 91.5 WXXO-FM | By Julia Figueras

Published January 4, 2018 at 4:54 PM EST

What happens when a musician goes deaf? Most simply retire. A few--Beethoven being the most famous case--carry on. Meet Gaelen McCormick. Gaelen began having hearing problems some years back, and was ultimately diagnosed with Bilateral Meniere's Disease. With fight or flight as her two options, Gaelen has chosen the former. She began 2018 with a video:

And she's not done. She has music to write, books to publish, and students to teach. In her conversation with Julia Figueras, which begins with "Jill's Song," one of her own compositions, Gaelen makes it clear that this is only the beginning of a new journey, with a new superpower.