The Note•Ables
Changing the Face of Disability Through the Power of Music
OUR STORY
The Note-Ables is a group of professional musicians who shatter the stereotype that people with disabilities have limited talents and abilities. The group first met in April 1999 when they started jamming and writing their own songs together. By that summer they had started playing small gigs in the Reno/Sparks area and have since expanded to performing 20-30 gigs each year. The Note-Ables have a sound as diverse as the Sierra Nevada mountains, with a blend of covers and original songs, the musical style of The Note-Ables ranges from blues to country to jazz to classic rock. From elementary schools, to festivals, to weddings, and to Broadway stages, the Note-Ables will bring a crowd pleasing and professional performance, all while increasing the visibility of people with disabilities and adding to the dynamic arts community in Northern Nevada.
Some of the Band’s noteable milestones have been playing on Broadway in NYC to receive a Danny Award, recording their studio album We Go Far, jamming with Craig Chaquico from Jefferson Starship, and partnering with the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts.
Consider booking The Note-Ables at your next party, fundraiser or corporate/community event. The band will bring diversity, fun, and great music guaranteed to bring a smile to your attendees.
Meet The Band
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Jeff has been making music since 1966, when he first picked up a guitar at the California School for the Blind in Berkeley. A Fresno native, Jeff spent many years traveling the country playing disco, country, rock, blues, flamenco, and classical guitar before making Reno his home in 2002. He joined The Note-Ables in 2013 and has been sharing his talents ever since. Jeff loves performing with his friends and says, “Music is in my head. Even with disabilities we can perform.” Many ask how Jeff got so good at guitar, he’ll tell you with lots of practice. Next time you see Jeff, ask him how long his practice streak currently is. He may be beating his record of 1,036 days of consecutive playing.
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Mathew joined The Note-Ables in 2024, bringing with him a lifelong love of music. He began playing piano at eight years old but remembers being drawn to music even as a baby. One of his favorite memories is playing for his Papa, who came to see the band perform. Mathew has an extraordinary gift: he can hear a song once, then play it back from memory in five different keys. “I love playing with my friends and performing for people. I feel so happy when I play,” he says. Inspired by artists like Neil Young, Willie Nelson, and The Beatles, Mathew’s favorite song to perform is Piano Man. His dream is to one day perform in Hawaii.
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Cheryl joined The Note-Ables in 2024 but has been singing since childhood. Choir was her passion in school, and while she tried different instruments, singing always stayed closest to her heart. She loves performing for audiences and treasures memories like the joy she saw from the kids at Dayton Elementary. Cheryl says, “Music brings me out of depression and sadness because the words show me I’m not alone.” She draws inspiration from Christian and Disney music and loves performing Better Place and The Lion Sleeps Tonight. Cheryl hopes audiences see that dreams really can come true, even if the path looks a little different. “I hope people see that anything is possible,” she adds.
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Nate has been drumming since the age of four, when he first turned pots and pans into his own drumset. He joined The Note-Ables in 2018 and now serves as both drummer and band manager. Nate says, “They are truly amazing musicians and help keep my chops up on the drumset!” A favorite memory is flying to New York City and performing on Broadway.
For Nate, music is everything. “It is connection, expression, and community,” he explains. He is inspired by artists from Led Zeppelin to Erykah Badu and loves playing Nicest Kids in Town because it lets him push his speed on the drums. Beyond the band, Nate produces music under the name Enigma Beats. His dream is to perform at Red Rocks Amphitheater or The Gorge. One of his favorite quotes is from B.B. King: “The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you and music is one of the most beautiful ways to learn.”
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Mark has been with The Note-Ables since 2006 and brings more than six decades of musical experience to the stage. Inspired by seeing The Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964, Mark began playing accordion and tuba before discovering his lifelong love for guitar at age twelve. He volunteered with the band before officially joining in 2007 and has been a driving force ever since. Mark is known for lifting spirits with his personality and songs like Best Day of My Life. Mark shares, “Music is a major part of my life, and I love the people in this band.” He hopes audiences leave Note-Ables shows with joy in their hearts and the knowledge that people with disabilities can do so much more than many realize.
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Michael has been part of The Note-Ables since 2010, after starting as a volunteer in high school. He has a rich musical background, beginning with clarinet and saxophone before focusing on singing and bass. His favorite memory is recording the band’s EP in 2013, an experience that fueled his passion for songwriting and performing. Michael loves being part of the songwriting process and enjoys delivering powerful vocals in songs like The Mountain. He explains, “Music is expression beyond the use of words.” With musical inspirations ranging from Radiohead to Prince, Pink Floyd, and Gojira, Michael wants audiences to have fun and see the band not just for disability, but for their talent and creativity. “We all love the same things as everyone else,” he adds.
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Tony has been performing with The Note-Ables since 2002 and has a true love for music. Raised in Reno, Tony grew up in a musical family, singing and playing guitar alongside his dad. Known for his sharp musical memory, Tony can identify the artist behind almost any song from the past fifty years. Tony shares, “I love doing music and joining the band. We sing songs people remember, and we write our own too.” His favorite performances are the ones that make people happy and bring back memories. Tony also loves learning guitar and dreams of continuing to grow as a musician. For Tony, being in the band is about joy, connection, and showing that music is for everyone.
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Rebecca, or Becca as her bandmates know her, has been singing with The Note-Ables since 2005. She discovered her love of music in high school and has continued to grow as a performer ever since. Becca loves dancing and bringing joy to audiences with songs like Hard to Handle. One of her favorite memories is performing in New York, which showed her how music can connect people across places and experiences. Becca says, “Being in a chair, I would like to tell people to never give up their dreams. You can do anything.” Outside of the band, Becca is a dedicated athlete who enjoys bodybuilding and competing alongside her husband Ryan. Her motto is, “If I can dream it, I can do it.”
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Iris joined The Note-Ables in 2025 and brings a vibrant energy to the group through her keyboard playing. She began her musical journey in middle school band and has loved music ever since. Iris loves performing with her fellow musicians and remembers fondly the excitement of playing for the students at Lovelock Elementary. She shares, “Music makes me feel more connected to myself and others.” Inspired by artists like The Crane Wives, she enjoys playing hopeful songs like Better Place. Iris hopes audiences leave Note-Ables performances feeling excited and inspired. “Disabilities are nuanced, but music helps us connect,” she adds. Beyond music, Iris loves comics and dreams of one day performing in Vancouver, Canada.
Upcoming Performances
Upcoming Performances
Take A Listen
Over the Years…
Honoring Our Past Members
Phillip Alameda
Mark Chamnes
Michelle Emrick
Heather Gage
Delvon Howard
Breanne Knight
Monty Loomis
Frank Mackin
Rachel Michaelson
Jeanine Mooers
Boyd Sharp
Bubby Singh
Marla Vance
