May 22, 2020 MEMPHIS, TN, May 22, 2020 – Varsity Performing Arts, a division of Varsity Spirit—the global leader in cheerleading, dance team and band apparel, camps and competitions—is thrilled to announce a new strategic partnership with United Sound. With the goal of supporting opportunities to increase participation in the performing arts, United Sound’s unique opportunities to share music with everyone have transformed the lives of their members. That transformation is the heart of what Varsity Performing Arts strives to provide for students. “Varsity Performing Arts has been designed to operate with three guiding principles in our effort to elevate the student experience: safety, student engagement, and lifelong participation,” says Ben Schroeder, Varsity Performing Arts Brand Manager. “Our choice in partners is determined by their expert reputation of operating by and because of those values, and we have found that in United Sound. We are excited to work together to create events with those values at the center.” These shared values reinforce the importance of community and leadership in the music space, and United Sound embodies these principles in each of their initiatives, programs, and performances. “United Sound is dedicated to making music accessible and achievable for every student, regardless of starting point,” says Julie Duty, Founder and Executive Director for United Sound. “Our programs use peer mentorship as the basis for creating meaningful bonds through the power of music for students with and without disabilities. That mission is embodied by Varsity Spirit, and we look forward to the opportunities we can provide to students through this partnership.” Varsity Performing Arts looks forward to supporting each organization’s initiatives and collaborating on joint processes. Their goal is to meet and exceed the needs of participants through independent and collaborative initiatives to create better, stronger, and longer lasting programs. About United Sound United Sound is a school-based instrumental music club for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities and their typical peers. Dedicated to promoting social involvement through shared ensemble performance experience, United Sound joins students with and without disabilities to learn and perform in the band or orchestra together. For more information, visit unitedsound.org. About Varsity Performing Arts Varsity Performing Arts is a brand of Varsity Spirit, the leader in cheer, dance, and scholastic band with a mission to elevate the performing experience for all students through camps, education, and events. Through educational initiatives, Varsity Performing Arts works with directors, leaders, and participants across campuses to develop opportunities for collaborative spirit in school and the surrounding community. For more information on Varsity Performing Arts, and to see the full line up of 2021 events, visit varsityperformingarts.com.
