Special Report: Belvoir Terrace

Brian Johnson, camper
"It's great to be back."

Tori Ackley, camper
"I'm just really excited about being back here."

The place they're talking about is Belvoir Terrace in Lenox. And they're back together for a week-long music camp there.

Nancy Goldberg, camp director and owner
"It's a camp for a special population where they can focus on music and be together."

The returning campers all have William's Syndrome which is a rare genetic disorder that causes a wide range of developmental problems.

Nancy Goldberg, camp director and owner
"People have lower IQs and they have hyperacusis, which means that they have very good ears and they learn by listening."

The disorder also gives many a remarkable musical ability.

Nancy Goldberg, camp director and owner
"Most of these students have perfect pitch, or near perfect pitch so they can pick up instruments without reading notes and play many tunes."

Brian Johnson attended the camp a decade ago. That's when 7News first caught up with him.

7News Reporter (1997)
"I understand that you can play a song after hearing it just one time?"

Brian Johnson, Camper (1997)
"That's right."

7News Reporter (1997)
"How does that work?"

Brian Johnson, camper (1997)
"Well, I have good hearing and everything else, and it just amazes me how I do it."

More than ten years later, he's using his talent to entertain.

Brian Johnson, camper
"I'm playing music for senior citizen people and they love my songs that I do. It's a joy for me to do that kind of stuff."

For some students, like Tori Ackley, it was the camp that brought out their unique ability.

Tori Ackley, camper
"I wasn't very good at the piano back then either. And I got music lessons and then as I got older, I got a lot better."

She's now sharing her musical gift with others.

And as the campers continue their reunion, they're all making beautiful music together.

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