In Sacramento, The Early Birds Band empowers individuals with developmental disabilities through music, offering a space to build confidence and community.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Early Birds Band has been playing in Sacramento for nearly 20 years, bringing musicians together through regular rehearsals and live performances.

“Oh my gosh, it’s so fun for me because… I get to be social, and I’m a very social butterfly,” said Emily Lucero. “And I get to learn my favorite instrument, which is the guitar.”

Lucero has been a member of The Early Birds for about three years. During a recent practice, ABC10 got the chance to sit in and listen as the band played some of its favorite songs, including “Jolene” by Dolly Parton.

Band instructor Dakota Medina said learning music involves far more than many people realize.

“A lot of people don’t really see unless they play an instrument that there’s a lot of physical, there’s a lot of coordination, there’s a lot of memory, there’s a lot of timing and pitch,” Medina said. “Some of those things are really hard to comprehend.”

Medina added that those challenges already exist for people without developmental disabilities, making the work happening in the studio even more meaningful.

The Early Birds music program operates through Southside Unlimited, a local nonprofit that emphasizes individual empowerment. The band practices twice a week, and many of the students attending rehearsals are still auditioning to join.

“They have to learn three songs, and they have to be able to play them along with a metronome or drum to show that they can play on rhythm,” Medina said. “They have to be able to play the notes correctly.”

Beyond musical skill, Medina said the group looks for good stage presence, responsibility and the ability to keep rhythm — qualities that matter when the band takes its show on the road.

Thanh “Annie” Huynh, who has been a member of The Early Birds for 16 years, said those performances reach a wide audience.

“In the band, we perform at different venues, like restaurants and libraries and the state Capitol and different hotels,” she said. “A lot of people.”

Medina said band members handle nearly every part of their performances themselves.

“They set up their gear at their shows. They’re their own roadies,” he said. “They have lots of responsibilities like managing their finances. They have a bank account. They have a budget. They saved up a lot of money and hired someone to make shirts — amazing shirts.”

While Medina helps teach the music, he said the band members are fully in charge.

“I might help them learn the notes, but it’s all their show,” he said.

Lucero said the instruction has helped build her confidence.

“My teacher is absolutely phenomenal,” she said. “He has taught me so many chords.”

She recalled a moment before practice that stood out.

“He had me play all the chords I just showed you at once, and he said I was lightning fast at it,” Lucero said. “That really boosted my confidence.”

While students are learning rhythm, chords and notes, Medina said he’s learning too.

“I feel like working this job has helped me to understand communication on a different level,” he said, adding that it has helped him better understand people and improve communication overall.

“Everyone in this room seriously impresses me every day,” Medina said. “Sometimes, someone has a bad day, and everyone helps them get back on track. This space and this studio — there’s so much respect here.”

It’s a space built on patience, respect and encouragement. The result is more than a performance — it’s community.

Southside Unlimited also offers music lessons, recording studio rentals and workshops to the public. For more information, click here. 

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