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MEET THE MUSICIANS
Follow this link to download free mp3 songs by Tom Ryan: Tom Ryan
AND MORE MUSICIANS!PARALINKS - The Electronic Magazine for People with Spinal Cord Injury Gary from Paralinks has made CDM aware of other musicians and musical organizations through his "Musicians Who Happen 2B Disabled" page on the site. Some are already listed on our links page, but some are new to us. Please check it out!
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Donald Jaeger, the
founder of CDM, plays the drums, seated on his own creation of a specially designed drum
seat to help alleviate some of the pain and pressure on his spine. Don played with
CDM's first band, Range of Motion, for 12 years and is currently living in
Virginia where he still works actively for the organization
Tom
Ryan, learning disabled with a form of auditory dyslexia, is one of the songwriters
and vocalists who also plays the guitar, bass and keyboards. Tom was a finalist in the
1992 Babylon Arts Council song writing contest and has received a citation from Nassau
County for his work with the organization. "CDM has enabled Tom to overcome his
barriers in communication and to facilitate his growth as a musician and performer. He has
been able to fulfill many of his goals and has the opportunity to reach his fullest
potential," said his mother, Pat Ryan. 
Vocalist and song-writer, Linda Wilson
Jaeger lives with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. She joined CDM when she was single and
later married Donald's brother, Robert (Bobby) Jaeger, the "all-around guy" who
moves equipment, runs the sound system and does anything else that needs to be done.
Linda's doctors are very pleased with her participation in CDM. By singing and performing
on a regular basis, she exercises her lungs - something which is very important for
someone with a debilitating neuromuscular disorder. 
Michael
Zielinski has studied drumming with CDM since 1992. He officially joined CDM in
the beginning of 1996, although he had taken lessons from CDM founder Donald Jaeger for
several years. He started making cameo appearances with "Range of Motion"
at the age of 16, and is now drumming full time with the band. In May 1996, Mike
received the Suffolk County Youth Achievement Award at Longwood High School for his
academic achievements, extracurricular activities, involvement with CDM and for his
ability to overcome the obstacles that his disability (Cerebral Palsy) presents.
Mikey's enthusiasm abounds behind the drum kit. He serves as an excellent and
inspiring role model for youths with disabilities.
Pat
Ryan joined CDM with her son Tom in 1987. She pitched in right away
to help the organization gain its nonprofit status and with administrative tasks
such as grant writing and orientation of new members. Till hip arthritis
worsened, she also worked with the road crew. Pat has a long history of
volunteerism along with experience in teaching and professional training as an
artist. CDM inspired her to develop computer skills in web design and she
currently maintains this web site. Over the years she took lessons in
several instruments but never found a good fit till one of the bands
unexpectedly lost a bass player. With CDM's encouragement and lots of work
and practice, she found her place in music. 
John
Phillips first began performing in the 1960s as a drummer with the "Johnny
Phillips Band" and the "Jet Set." More recently, as a
guitarist with the "Fire and Ice" band in the Hudson Valley area and
as a regular performer with "The Music Club" at Richmond Street
Recordings. Since 1990 John has studied with "The National Guitar
Workshop" in Lakeside, Connecticut, and has attended Irish folk music
studies in Dublin and Galway. He has performed in Chicago, Colorado,
and Wyoming, and has auditioned for "New York Underground." John
has been playing with CDM's "Range of Motion" since November
1998. He currently studies acoustic blues with Paul Rishell
and teaches guitar and drums. It takes a lot to slow him down despite his
total hip replacement from an arthritic condition. when he's
not playing on stage at a CDM gig, he's diving in with the rest of the road
crew helping to set up the sound system.
Tony Tramontana began to play the bass in 1963 and joined a
band that played dance music. In the late sixties he had his own band that played at
weddings and dinner dances. In 1986 Tony was hurt on the job and could no longer
work. Joining CDM in 1988 he began immediately playing with the CDM Orchestra,
playing swing, jazz and pop. He has taught guitar privately and has a vast knowledge
of musical styles. He is now a fill-in bass player for "Range of
Motion" as well. Tony volunteers time playing in church musicals, and senior
centers. He also plays professionally with the James Street Players and other
community groups. In recognition of his contributions and musical abilities, Tony
was selected by the music department at West Babylon H.S. TRI-M Music Honor Society as a
lifetime honorary member.