Every person deserves to feel like part of the community they live in, to feel appreciated and thankful. That is the goal of the Northshore Wranglers, an organization advocating for people with special needs, and the 22 unique individuals who will participate in this year’s The Music Project concert.

“They’re confident, they are happy, they now have something to do,” said Bernadette Bascom, teacher of the Northshore Wranglers and founder and creative director for The Music Project. “[The Northshore Wranglers program] gave them the chance to be something other than ordinary; to be extraordinary.”

Friday, Dec. 5, the Northshore Wranglers will be performing songs they’ve practiced all year long. Whether it’s learning to be more confident or learning to enunciate words, the Northshore Wrangler singers start the holiday season with joy for The Music Project performance from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Northshore Senior Center.

Each participant will have a solo and two group songs, along with one song from Bascom.

“You are going to be cheering, just so happy, and this is going to make you have a real Christmas,” Bascom said. “These kids think they are the bomb, they are hilarious, singing “Born to be Wild” and picking their own songs.”

Since 1998, the program has helped students find their confidence, inspired them to improve their speaking and conversing abilities, and given participants a sense of belonging. After Saturday morning practices, Northshore Wranglers head back to their homes and are jubilant to tell their parents about what happened at practice, and to continue practicing for one very special evening.

“I think there’s a commitment element to it,” said Cole Caplan, organizer of the Northshore Wranglers. “That they’re really putting their heart and soul and effort into something, and then seeing it realized in December.”

The Northshore Wrangler’s team has found that the audience has had such a response to the performances that the organization has had to start handing out Kleenex prior to the start of the performance.

“It’s incredible being part of a miracle, there’s so many miracles there, so many people who couldn’t really express themselves or couldn’t speak at all,” Bascom said. “It’s really incredible being part of so many miracles.”

Emotionally, The Music Project’s literal spotlight on those participants has given them a sense of starhood. Throughout the year, students learn confidence through stage presence, extra vocalization and speaking skills through singing, staying on beat with music and more.

“The crowds we have had at each performance have been hugely supportive of participants regardless of abilities,” Caplan said. “Seeing them on stage when they have that moment where it all comes together, and they’re being recognized, and the audience is clapping; its pretty incredible.”

Not only does the program positively influence the participants, but it brings the community together for a great cause. Monetarily, the Wranglers raised around $20,000 for the program last year, with approximately $2,000 of that coming directly from The Music Project performance.