If you need proof that the UnSinkables can do anything, look at what the band members have already accomplished together.

The UnSinkables, a band supported by the Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development, features teenagers and young adults with different abilities who play popular music, including selections from "The Greatest Showman," One Direction and Lady Gaga. Most members had no musical experience before joining the band.

The UnSinkables will perform at the Celebrate Abilities Concert, Saturday, Nov. 14, at 5 p.m., at Saint James Episcopal Church, 119 N. Duke St., Lancaster. Nathan Sheffer, the band's founder and coach, promises a fun and inspiring concert, which is free and open to the public.

"The band members have gone from not being able to play instruments to performing for audiences of 500 people," he said. "That's pretty impressive."

The UnSinkables began when Sheffer was looking for a doctoral research project that combined his passions for music education and working with individuals who have differences in abilities. While opportunities to explore music are abundant in early childhood, it becomes increasingly challenging for older students who haven't yet picked up an instrument, he said.

"For people with differences in abilities, the opportunities are especially few and far between," he said. "It took about two years to find an organization to support my dream of establishing a group."

Sheffer partnered with Schreiber to launch its modern band program, including the UnSinkables, in October 2024. The inclusive music program uses popular styles like rock, pop, hip-hop, and rhythm and blues to teach real-world musical skills. Participants learn to play instruments of their own choosing, such as guitar, bass, drums, keyboard and vocals.

The UnSinkables, which began with four members and has grown to eight, practice together for an hour each week. While some group members can do a bit of music reading, Sheffer uses strategies such as pictures, letters and numbers to help simplify the learning process. Band members vote on the music they most want to learn.

"I wanted to give them an authentic experience of playing music they know and want to play," he said. "My job is to make the music accessible. Right now we're working on 'Lean on Me' and 'What a Wonderful World.'"

Besides having fun and learning to play music, the program helps band members build confidence, teamwork and social skills, all while experiencing the pride of performing as part of a group. The UnSinkables keep in regular touch with each other through a texting app, and the band is always accepting new members.

"We aim to create a sense of belonging," Sheffer said. "It's very much meant to teach a skill they can use and also give them time to build a community with each other."

Like the UnSinkables, Schreiber's music programs continue to grow. A new group emphasizes the technical side of performing, such as lighting and sound. In weekly Piano Studio classes, teens and adults of all abilities learn at their own pace in a supportive small-group environment.

While Sheffer did not start the Unsinkables with intentions to perform, people who heard the band practice began inquiring about shows. The group first performed at Schreiber's annual gala, for an audience of about 500 people.

"Getting up to perform is not easy, but they support one another," he said. "Our goal is not a perfect performance. We're just having fun and playing music."

The Celebrate Abilities Concert Series is presented by Saint James Episcopal Church, the Urban Well and Schreiber, with funding from Lancaster MusicFest. For more information, visit http://www.schreiberpediatric.org/event/celebrate-abilities-concert-series/.

For more information on the UnSinkables or additional music programs at Schreiber, visit http://www.schreiberpediatric.org/programs/ or contact Nathan Sheffer, shefferno@gmail.com.