North Central College in the News

North Central’s annual Chords for Kids concert featured in local and regional media

Mar 13, 2023

The College welcomed children with disabilities to special concert

North Central College once again hosted its traditional Chords for Kids concert with its 16th annual performance. This one-of-a-kind experience welcomed children with special needs and their families to come and enjoy a night of music and fun. Adopting the motto, “Wiggles Welcome,” this free event encouraged children with special needs to be themselves at a concert where parents do not have to worry about typical concert etiquette. The concert featured sing-alongs from SpongeBob SquarePants and Disney, as well as classical pieces and line dance songs such as “YMCA” and “The Chicken Dance.”

Lawrence Van Oyen, professor of music and director of bands at North Central College, was interviewed by WBBM-AM Newsradio, where he discussed the impact of an event like this.

"The concert's intended for the entire family to come so they can enjoy the music in a real welcoming environment. Our motto is 'wigglers welcome,” said Van Oyen.

Click here to see the media coverage on this year’s annual concert: