“A lot of them like to sing and dance,” said Diana Logan, one of the driving forces behind the choir becoming a reality.

Logan was familiar with the choir members having had them in her “Super Stars” drumming class at the YMCA and she knew most of them were interested in showcasing their talents.

Although there were music programs that focused on younger children, there was little for those over 21 years of age and several parents had talked to her about having something more for their adult children to do.

Logan approached the Rev. Larry Leland, lead pastor at Faith Church in Montoursville about using their facilities for choir practices and following the church’s board approval, the group was formed.

Diana Logan directs students as they sing and dance to the music during a class for special needs people at Faith Church in Montoursville recently. About 20 students under the direction of Diana Logan, right, learned songs for an upcoming performance. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Every Wednesday since October, for more than an hour they have been practicing at the church. There is music from various genres and choreographed movements, but most of all there are friendships being formed as they get together to showcase their talents.

“From week one I have been blown away at the natural movement and talent,” Logan said.

The choir uses drumsticks from the drumming class with scarves attached, to dance to “Waka Waka” from pop star Shakira and “Never had a Friend Like Me,” from Aladdin.

“It kind of incorporates the Drums Alive that we do at the Y, but without the stability ball. We use the scarves on the drum sticks and you’ll see just the natural movement there — how wonderful everyone is doing with that,” Logan said.

The group’s musical selections range from tunes from movies like “The Greatest Showman,” “Grease” and “Mama Mia,” to “Lean on Me” and “The Goodness of God.”

Heather Eck of Montoursville (foreground) leads a special needs music and dance class recently at Faith Church in Montoursville. Eck, who is the choreographer for the class, taught the 20 students she has in the class learn the dance for a upcoming performance. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

“I’ve never heard such a heartfelt version,” Logan shared. “It’s brought me to tears every week.”

“It’s been enlightening to see them. Give them the confidence to be who they are,” she said.

“They do what’s natural for them and we can’t sweat the small stuff.” she said.

She decided to start out small on purpose, choosing not to put it on Facebook because she wasn’t sure how much help she would have. It turns out that people were willing to help with such things as choreography and of course the parents are there ready to cheer their children on.

For Patty McCoy and her husband Shane, Hughesville, the choir has been a blessing for their son Logan, 31, who looks forward to coming to the practices, as evidenced by his smile as he sings along.

“Music, movies, singing, anything like that he just loves,” Patty shared, adding “he loves people.”

She has nothing but praise for the choir and those leading it.

“It just seems like all the individuals just thoroughly enjoy this,” Patty said.

“The parents have been so appreciative because it is so hard to get involved in social things,” Logan said.

After seeing a practice first hand, a natural joy is evident as the choir interprets the music through movement. It’s so easy to be uplifted by the upbeat music and atmosphere of acceptance threading through the interactions between the participants.

“It’s been a blessing. I look forward to every Wednesday night,” Logan shared. “In the winter it’s been like a shot in the arm.”

And, as the group paused to take a breather from their practicing, they each got the opportunity to share what they like about being in the choir.

The answers ranged from liking who they were partnered with for the one song to a young man named Dallas who said, “I’m just proud of myself.” “They kind of teach you. They’re so encouraging and loving to each other. They cheer each other on. That’s how we’re supposed to be,” Logan said.

On April 5 at 6 p.m., they will present their first concert, “Music from the Heart,” at Faith Church, 700 Fairview Drive, Montoursville.