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On February 22, 1986, the Coalition for Disabled
Musicians, Inc. (a self-help non-profit organization) was formed. CDM was
designed to:
Introduce disabled musicians to each other who have an
understanding of disability-related problems.
1. Give access to an
accessible rehearsal and recording
studio.
2. Create "tag-team" systems and other adaptive techniques
for pain, endurance, and other limitations.
3. Set up studio and stage bands for amateurs and professionals.
4. Hold live performances, produce recordings, and hold music
workshops and seminars.
5. Promote public awareness of the disabled community as a great
reservoir of talent and ability.
HISTORY Donald Jaeger's lifelong dream was to play the drums, but with a houseful of eight kids
packed to the rim and two parents, it just was not possible until some kids got older and
left home. Donald, at age 21, then purchased his first set of drums. The drums were his
passion.
In 1981 Jaeger, who was working as a tug boat deck hand, fell from one boat deck to
another, sustaining severe spinal cord injury. His wife, expecting their second child, had
to return to work soon after, leaving Donald to look after the children. For five years he
was faced with physical limitations, which kept him confined to bed for several hours a
day, and depression. The drums were set aside. He merely existed. But he is the first to
admit: "Depression is very contagious. Other people sense it and become depressed. It
is very difficult." He successfully availed himself of therapy to cope.
By 1986, Jaeger returned to the drums, but only for very short sessions. Unable to keep
pace with able-bodied musicians, the pain was unbearable at times. However, with the
support of his wife Lynn and the rest of his family, he became active and alive again.
"I realized that I could play the drums again, but I was limited with an endurance
problem because of chronic pain. I needed to find people to play with me who understood
this problem," he said. Thus, the Coalition for Disabled Musicians, Inc. (CDM) was
born.
CDM provides excellent therapy for him and other physically disabled musicians.
"It is a very good outlet. Most people would be at home if this was not available,
doing nothing but existing. I forget everything when I am playing. I even forget my pain
for a while. It is very therapeutic," said Jaeger.
CDM went on to form three bands, the first a rock band called "Range of
Motion;" the second an orchestra of older persons, called the "CDM
Orchestra," performing the old standards, jazz and swing; and the third group, a rock
and hard rock band called "Rockin' Chair." The musicians range in age from their
teens to their seventies. As varied as their ages are, so are their disabilities,
including Muscular Dystrophy, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Visual and Hearing
Impairments, Diabetes, Stroke, Spinal Cord Injuries and other.
The Coalition of Disabled Musicians was featured in "Newsday" on the following
dates:
"A Widening Range of Motion" - Sunday, September 27, 1987
"Music That's Not Disabling" - Wednesday, July 26, 1989
"Group in Tune with Disabled Musicians" - Sunday, May 19, 1996
NETWORKING
CDM would like to assist and collaborate with disabled musicians nation and world wide
in concrete ways. For example, if you have original songs you would like
to submit for performance consideration, or
would like advice in setting up your own groups, or if you would like to broadcast or
distribute our music, please contact us.
The purpose of CDM joining the World Wide Web is to forge links that would have
been impossible otherwise. We invite and welcome all disabled musicians and
supporters around the world to contact us.
To extend our reach and bring disabled musicians together
on a local and national level, CDM has developed a guest book where disabled
musicians may post their questions and answers for each other. In addition
we have added a newly implemented FAQ's page where we offer the answers to some
of our most frequently asked questions.
Through our website CDM is dedicated to assisting
physically disabled musicians in their musical endeavors at locations around the
nation and in the world.
When available, CDM will provide:
* Information on adaptive equipment
* Referrals for Performances, Teachers and
Students
and
*Referrals to other physically disabled
musicians and organizations throughout the country and the world.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
E-mail, phone, or write to CDM at:
Coalition for Disabled Musicians, Inc.
P.O. Box 1002M
Bay Shore, New York 11706
631-586-0366
CDMNEWS@AOL.COM
MEET THE MUSICIANS
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.
Follow this link to download free mp3 songs by Tom Ryan:
Tom
Ryan
Bass guitarist, John Rinaldo has
muscular dystrophy, who owns and manages his own recording studio. John is one of the
many members who have benefited from CDM's adaptive equipment. Due to his increased muscle
weakness, John was unable to hold the heavy bass guitar. Donald designed a guitar stand
that would enable John to prop the bass guitar up against his body, supporting its weight
and allowing him to concentrate on his playing.
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.
"Our organization has helped a lot of people get past their limitations. A lot of
people who wouldn't be playing music are playing music today because of us," said
current CDM President, Linda Jaeger. Each of the group members is conscious of each
other's limitations, but they emphasize that the public enjoys listening to their music
and does not patronize them because of their disabilities. They take a unique tag-team
approach to their music, since many of them are severely disabled. When one member
fatigues another member takes over to cover. Donald, who has studied with Liberty De Vito,
Billy Joel's drummer, shares his technique with his disabled drumming students.
Listen up! Here's two samples of songs on "Range
of Motion" - CDM's first album.
Sharing My Life - Linda Jaeger
(MP3)
The Way I Love You - Tom Ryan
(MP3)
More free MP3 Songs to Download
CDM member musician Tom Ryan has
original, self-produced songs available on his MP3 website as free
downloads. You can visit his site by following this link:
Tom Ryan - MP3 Songs
2003 Performance Schedule
January 29 & April 16, 2003 - Range of
Motion plays for Carman Road BOCES School - our 11th year - Private Performances.
March 11, 2003 - Range of Motion plays for
Mercy Haven, Inc. Spring Fling - Private Performance.
March 20, 21, & 24 - Range of Motion plays
for the Commack School District - Handicapped Awareness Week - Private
Performances.
April 11, 2003 - Range of Motion plays for
the Northport School District - Handicapped Awareness Week - Private Performance.
May 4, 2003 - Range of Motion plays for the
Suffolk County Special Olympics Spring Games - Half Hollow Hills West H.S. -
Open to the Public.
August 3, 2003 - Range of Motion plays for
the annual Sayville SummerFest - Sayville, NY - Open to the Public.
November 2, 2003 - TLC plays for the Mercy
Haven Annual Fundraiser - Bay Shore, NY - Private Performance.
December 3, 2003 - Range of Motion plays
for Carman Road BOCES School - our 11th year - Private Performance.
2004 Performance Schedule
January 23, 2004 - Range of Motion plays
for the Northport School District - Private Performance.
February 24, 2004 - Range of Motion plays
for the Hauppauge School District - Private Performance.
February 25, 2004 - Range of Motion plays
for Carman Road BOCES School - our 12th year - Private Performance.
March 5, 2004 - Range of Motion plays for
St. Charles Learning Center - Private Performance.
March 16, 18, &19 - Range of Motion
plays for the Commack School District - Handicapped Awareness Week - Private
Performances.
April 15, 2004 - Range of Motion plays for
Mercy Haven "Spring Fling" - Private Performance
April 21, 2004 - Range of Motion plays for
Carman Road BOCES School - our 12th year - Private Performance.
June 11, 2004 - Range of Motion plays for
the Northport School District Field Day - Private Performance.
August 8, 2004 - Range of Motion plays for
the annual Sayville SummerFest - West End Main Street Stage - 10:30-11:30 AM - Sayville, NY - Open to the
Public
- This performance is made possible in part with public funds from he New York
State Council on the Arts. In Suffolk County the Decentralization Program is
administered by the Huntington Arts Council, Inc. in partnership with the
Suffolk Consortium of Arts Councils.
October 6, 2004 - Range of Motion plays
for Carman Road BOCES School - our 12th year - Private Performance.
November 16, 2004 - Range of Motion plays
for the Commack School District - Handicapped Awareness Program - Private
Performance.
December 8, 2004 - Range of Motion plays
for Carman Road BOCES School - our 12th year - Private Performance.
2005 Performance Schedule
March 15, 2005 - Range of Motion plays for
the Commack School District - Handicapped Awareness Week - Private Performance.
March 18, 2005 - Range of Motion plays for
the Commack School District - Handicapped Awareness Week - Private Performance.
April 6, 2005 - Range of Motion plays for
Carman Road BOCES School - our 13th year - Private Performance.
April 7, 2005 - Range of Motion plays for
the Northport School District - Handicapped Awareness Assembly Program - Private
Performance.
August 7, 2005 - Range of Motion plays for
the annual Sayville SummerFest - West End Main Street Stage - 10:30-11:30 AM - Sayville, NY - Open to the
Public
- This performance is made possible in part with public funds from he New York
State Council on the Arts. In Suffolk County the Decentralization Program is
administered by the Huntington Arts Council, Inc. in partnership with the
Suffolk Consortium of Arts Councils.
October 19, 2005 - Range of Motion plays
for Carman Road BOCES School - our 13th year - Private Performance.
2006 Performance Schedule
January 25, 2006 - Range of Motion plays
for Carman Road BOCES School - our 14th year - Private Performance.
February 17, 2006 - Range of Motion plays
for the East Rockaway School District - Handicapped Awareness Program - Private
Performance.
March 29, 2006 - Range of Motion plays for
the Commack School District - Handicapped Awareness Week - Private Performance.
March 30, 2006 - Range of Motion plays for
the Commack School District - Handicapped Awareness Week - Private Performance.
March 31, 2006 - Range of Motion plays for
the Commack School District - Handicapped Awareness Week - Private Performance.
April 5, 2006 - Range of Motion plays for
Carman Road BOCES School - our 14th year - Private Performance.
April 20, 2006 - Range of Motion plays for
Mercy Haven at the Spring Fling Dance - Private Performace
May 23, 2006 - Range of Motion plays for
the Port Jefferson School District - Private Performance.
June 9, 2006 - Range of Motion plays for
the Northport School District Field Day - Private Performance.
August 6, 2006 - Range of Motion plays for
the annual Sayville SummerFest - West End Main Street Stage - 10:30-11:30 AM -
Sayville, NY - Open to the Public.
October 11, 2006 - Range of Motion plays
for Suffolk Community College Disability Awareness Program - Private Performance
November 8, 2006 - Range of Motion plays
for Carman Road BOCES School - our 14th year - Private Performance
2007 Performance Schedule
March 22, 2007 - Range of Motion plays for
the Nassau County United Cerebral Palsy Center - Private Performance
March 27 - Range of Motion plays for the
Commack School District - Handicapped Awareness Week - Private Performance
March 29, 2007 - Range of Motion plays for
the Commack School District - Handicapped Awareness Week - Private Performance
March 30, 2007 - Range of Motion plays for
the Commack School District - Handicapped Awareness Week - Private Performance
April 13, 2007 - Range of Motion plays for
the Connetquot School District - Handicapped Awareness Program - Private
Performance
April 18, 2007 - Range of Motion plays for
Carman Road BOCES School - our 15th year - Private Performance
May 4, 2007 - Range of Motion plays for the
Eastport School District - Handicapped Awareness Program - Private Performance
May 10, 2007 - Range of Motion plays for
the Eastport School District - Handicapped Awareness Program - Private
Performance
May 18, 2007 - Range of Motion plays for
the Sachem School District - Handicapped Awareness Program - Private Performance
May 23, 2007
"Range of Motion"
and CDM featured on radio station WFUV 90.7 fm
- documentary- 8:30 pm and webcast on WFUV.org
May 29 2007 - Range of Motion plays for the
Northport/East Northport School District - Handicapped Awareness Program - Private Performance
July 18, 2007 - Range of Motion plays for the
Northport/East Northport School District - Handicapped Awareness Program - Private Performance
July 19, 2007 - Range of Motion plays for the
Northport/East Northport School District - Handicapped Awareness Program - Private Performance
July 20, 2007 - Range of Motion plays for the
Northport/East Northport School District - Handicapped Awareness Program - Private Performance
October 16, 2007 - Range of Motion plays
for Suffolk County Community College - Handicapped Awareness Program - Private
Performance
2008 Performance Schedule
January 16, 2008 - Range of Motion plays
for the Commack School District - Handicapped Awareness Week - Private
Performance
April 3, 2008- Range of Motion plays for
the Commack School District - Handicapped Awareness Week - Private Performance
April 4, 2008- Range of Motion plays for
the Commack School District - Handicapped Awareness Week - Private Performance
April 7, 2008- Range of Motion plays for
the Commack School District - Handicapped Awareness Week - Private Performance
April 9, 2008- Range of Motion plays for
the Half Hollow Hills School District - Handicapped Awareness Week - Private Performance
April 16, 2008 - Range of Motion plays for
Carman Road BOCES School - our 17th year - Private Performance
May 7, 2008 - Nassau
Region PTA Ways and Means Conference and Expo
5:00 - 7:00 PM
Melville Marriott
*This is a private, invitation only conference, but we hope if you are
attending, you stop by our booth to say "hello" and learn more
about CDM.
May 15, 2008
- Suffolk PTA
Spring Conference and Expo
5:00 - 7:00 PM
Hyatt Regency, Hauppauge
*This is a
private, invitation only conference, but we hope if you are attending,
you stop by our booth to say "Hello" and learn more about CDM.
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