NW Works Chimers Continues 30th Anniversary Celebration with December Concert
The Shenandoah Conservatory music therapy program presented its fall 2024 NW Works Chimers concert on Sunday, Dec. 8, in Armstrong Concert Hall. Conservatory students from the music therapy, music education and music production & recording technology (MPRT) programs volunteer their time and talents to support the NW Works Chimers. Special recognition goes to the dedicated student managers Genevieve Moffett ’25 (Bachelor of Music Therapy), Natalie Aburto ’25 (Bachelor of Music Therapy), Delanee Hill ’25 (Bachelor of Music Therapy) and Natalie McCrowell ’25 (Bachelor of Music Therapy), whose behind-the-scenes efforts ensure the program runs smoothly.
Lizzie Pearson ’25 (Bachelor of Music Therapy) created a documentary about the Chimers program for their film class at SU. This semester-long project has captured the journey of rehearsals, from the first session to the final performance, including interviews with students and participants. Pearson’s dedication has turned this into a passion project, and they have continued their work beyond the semester to fully capture the essence of the Chimers.
“I am incredibly proud of the NW Works Chimers and honored to have served as their director since 2018,” said Adjunct Assistant Professor of Music Therapy Musicianship Fredrica Dooley-Brown ’11, ’19, M.M.T., MT-BC. “My journey with this program began as a student at Shenandoah Conservatory, where I volunteered with the Chimers from 2008 to 2011. It has been a blessing to return and witness the growth and transformation of this incredible group. Watching the Chimers take a more active role in choosing music, singing, and even exploring conducting has been a remarkable process, driven by their own self-advocacy. Each of our SU students brings unique energy, creativity, and dedication to the ensemble, fostering an environment of collaboration and mutual growth. I’m excited to see how the program will continue to evolve in the coming years.”
Shenandoah University’s (SU) music therapy program is celebrating its 50th anniversary as well as 30 years of Chimers at Shenandoah University throughout the 2024/25 academic year. The partnership between NW Works and SU was formalized when Suzanne Rohrbacher, the former director of clinical services for the SU’s music therapy program, collaborated with John Brauer, the former CEO of NW Works. This partnership, which provides music therapy services for adults with developmental disabilities and autism, led to the rebranding of the VSA Chimers to the NW Works Chimers, strengthening the connection between SU and NW Works.
About NW Works Chimers
The NW Works Chimers community-based music therapy program provides individuals with disabilities an inclusive and enriching musical experience. Its goal is to foster personal growth, social engagement, and self-expression while promoting awareness and acceptance of diversity within the Shenandoah University community and the broader Winchester community. Over the past 30 years, the initiative has built a safe space where students, caregivers, and Chimers form genuine friendships based on mutual respect and human connection. Every member brings something unique to our group, making it a vibrant and supportive environment.
NW Works Chimers is a campus and community partnership between NW Works and the Shenandoah University Music Therapy program. NW Works is a 501(c)(3) non-profit striving to bridge the employment gap for people with disabilities and others facing barriers to meaningful employment.
