Every month at Kerr’s Inclusive Day Services, the rhythm of the day shifts when a cart of instruments rolls in and Lauren Coons, Program Director from Ethos Music Center, arrives. Across the Oatfield, Powell, and Beaverton sites, participants gather for a class focused on exploring music through movement, sound, curiosity, and connection.
Lauren begins each session with simple warm-ups that invite everyone to participate in whatever way feels comfortable. She asks each person to share a movement or a sound—anything from a quick hand wave to a gentle stretch to a vocal “ooh” or “ahh.” The group repeats each person’s contribution, creating a welcoming rhythm of shared expression.
This opening activity reflects Lauren’s person‑centered approach, rooted in her background in healing arts. “It’s a very embodied approach to music and also very community‑focused,” she explains. “It’s working with the person first versus trying to get a person to fit into a music or movement space.” 
Next, Lauren sets out her instruments. Shakers, drums, clappers, castanets, rhythm sticks, and tambourines are all available for participants to choose from. Once everyone has selected an instrument, the group begins creating a shared soundscape. On this day, they recreated the sounds of a beach—shakers mimicking waves, soft tapping suggesting rain, and the handpan adding a low rumble of thunder.
Lauren reminds the group that there is no right or wrong way to join in. “You can’t do it incorrectly. Every sound will be correct because it is what you feel like is happening in this story we’re telling.”
Some participants join immediately; others wait for a sound or rhythm that sparks their imagination. Each person adds their own interpretation, shaping the evolving scene.
To support that exploration, Lauren also introduced a Tibetan singing bowl and the handpan. Participants leaned in to feel the vibration and experimented with the handpan’s range of tones. These instruments aren’t chosen for novelty—they’re selected to offer variety, sensory feedback, and multiple access points. “I like to bring things that make different types of sounds or can be played in multiple ways… things people can use with one hand, or different parts of their body,” Lauren says.
As the beach story wound down—waves settling, thunder fading—a participant suggested: “Next time, we should do a rainforest!”
At Kerr’s Inclusive Day Services, these sessions aren’t about performance or perfection. They focus on expression, connection, exploration, and joy. “Music is an essential part of our evolution. It’s built into who we are,” Lauren explains.
Ethos Music Center has provided accessible music education in Portland since 1998. For Lauren, working with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through Kerr’s program expands that mission in meaningful ways. For participants, it offers a space each month to tap, hum, shake, laugh, and express themselves freely. Together, they’re building community through music.