Exceptional Citizens Band – Evil Ways (1972)
Made up of students from three New York schools for the mentally challenged, the Exceptional Citizens Band was the brainchild of Dr. Robert Ianacone, who assembled the group in 1972 to record an album and perform at the Special Olympics in Los Angeles. Dr. Ianacone had spent many years analyzing the relationship between intellectual handicaps and musical aptitude, and he firmly believed that mental handicaps could be circumvented when dealing with musically talented children. His exact method is outlined in the book 7 Ways To Sidestep Cerebral Shortcomings Symphonically.
The project was the first of its kind and it proceeded brilliantly. In the span of just four weeks the students rehearsed all the material, recorded the album, performed three concerts, and took a field trip to the Rosamond Gifford Zoo. The accolades poured in. The Gainesville Sun declared “The capacity of the retarded to express themselves through music is truly amazing! It’s hard to believe that it was performed by people so handicapped.” New York Senator Jacob Javits said the record was an excellent example of the ability for the mentally challenged to reach their fullest potential when given the right opportunity. “Hopefully the Democrats in the Senate can draw inspiration from this.” he added with a wink.