The Positones
Building Community Through Music
The Positones are an inclusive rock band featuring adults with special needs and extraordinary abilities. For more than a decade, our group has worked to empower those with unique cognitive and developmental capabilities: amplifying individual voices and providing opportunity for expression, collaboration, and personal growth through music. During weekly rehearsals, this band builds team working skills and musical talent: mentored and encouraged by Founder Andrew Thornbrough and co-
leader Tim Liddicoat. Our vision is a world where importance and ability are recognized in every individual, and our mission is to spread this message of equality and inclusivity to people everywhere through inspiring performances.
About
The Positones are an inclusive rock band featuring adults with special needs and extraordinary abilities. For more than a decade, our group has worked to empower those with unique cognitive and developmental capabilities: amplifying individual voices and providing opportunity for expression, collaboration, and personal growth through music. During weekly rehearsals, this band builds team working skills and musical talent: mentored and encouraged by Founder Andrew Thornbrough and co-leader Tim Liddicoat. Our vision is a world where importance and ability are recognized in every individual, and our mission is to spread this message of equality and inclusivity to people everywhere through inspiring performances.
Our Purpose
Connection | Belonging | Self-Expression
MISSION
To empower adults with developmental disabilities through music, performance, and community by creating meaningful opportunities for self-expression, personal growth, and connection.
VISION
To build a world where individuals of all abilities are seen, valued, and celebrated for their unique talents, with equal access to creative expression and inclusive community experiences.
PURPOSE
We exist to challenge perceptions and break barriers. To inspire confidence, and transform lives through the power of music, creating spaces where every individual can shine, belong, and be heard.
ANDREW THORNBROUGH
Andrew Thornbrough is a lifelong musician, teacher, and advocate whose work is rooted in empowerment, inclusion, and community growth. Raised in Plymouth, Minnesota, he began studying classical piano at the age of three and went on to develop as a pianist, horn player, and self taught drummer. He attended Perpich Center for the Arts Education, later studied music at Indiana University of Bloomington, and finished his bachelor’s degree at McNally Smith College of Music. While in college, Andrew co-founded a band which was made up of people with special needs. Discovering a deep passion for working with adults with intellectual disabilities, he continued that experience leading to the creation of The Positones, a band he has led for the past 15 years.
TIM LIDDICOAT
Tim Liddicoat is a musician, mentor, and community leader dedicated to creating inclusive spaces through music. As co-leader of The Positones, he is passionate about empowering individuals of all abilities to express themselves, build confidence, and connect through performance. With a background in music education, Tim studied music and spent over a decade teaching guitar, helping students of all levels discover their creative voice. In addition to his work as an educator, he has been performing for two decades, playing in a variety of bands and bringing a depth of real-world musical experience to his work. Today, Tim is focused on helping grow The Positones into a nonprofit organization, with a goal of expanding opportunities for individuals with special needs to participate in music, performance, and community engagement. Through this work, he continues to advocate for inclusion, creativity, and the transformative power of Music.
Our History
In The Media
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