Oct. 7, 2025 – Guitar in hand, music therapist Laura Fennell made her way around the Mandarin Oaks Elementary classroom, singing and interacting with students. As Fennell visited with students throughout the school, spreading the gift of music and song, teachers like Jan Kemper told Team Duval News that these visits are special.
“My students have significant cognitive disabilities as well as some physical disabilities,” said the ESE teacher. “We have to really get creative with our kids and really think outside of the box.”
Thanks to the Cathedral Arts Project’s (CAP) music therapy program, students with disabilities are being engaged through lessons and activities tailored to their unique abilities. In addition to the Mandarin Oaks program, which is funded by Kids Hope Alliance, CAP also facilitates music therapy at six other Team Duval schools: Crystal Springs Elementary, Landmark Middle, Loretto Elementary, Neptune Beach Elementary, Oak Hill Academy, and Palm Avenue Exceptional Student Center.
“My kids learn through so many different ways...we really need that multi-level approach to reach them,” said Kemper. “I think (this program) definitely reaches a part of cognition that is sometimes hard to tap into. They can grow and they can learn in ways that maybe they couldn’t without it.”
Team Duval News followed Fennell – a board-certified music therapist – as she visited multiple Mandarin Oaks classrooms. Fennell incorporated a variety of research-based and multi-sensory lessons into her sessions, ranging from singing through vowels to identifying emotions in songs and allowing students to play instruments.
They’re all activities Kemper said are intentionally crafted and curated to help each student learn and grow.
“We partner together, Ms. Laura and I. She knows the goals that we’re working on – their individual educational plan goals. We work together to come up with some common goals that would meet their goals and meet their needs.”
CAP currently has three music therapists, with plans to expand. In the end, Kemper said she’s encouraged by the added layer of engagement that the program provides.
“I’ve definitely noticed more engagement the longer that she’s been coming,” said Kemper. “It’s so beneficial to our students. And I know the families are so happy that their kids are able to be involved in this.”