OHS Band Visits Local Nursing Homes
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OHS Band Visits Local Nursing Homes
By Camden Jones
SCN Student Reporter
The Oneida High School (OHS) band program is celebrating both tremendous growth and a deep commitment to community engagement following a series of special performances at local healthcare facilities in Scott County.
The instrumental music program has expanded over the past five years. When Director of Bands Jonathan Elliott first arrived, the entire 6-12 program consisted of about 30 students. Today the program has grown to include a 5th Grade band taught by Mr. Jacob Boshears, bringing the total number to over 100 students participating in instrumental music across Oneida Schools.
This rapid expansion brought about an instrument shortage, as the program works diligently to ensure that every student has an instrument of their own. Funding from the Peter R. Marsh Foundation grant directly addressed this need, allowing the school to purchase new instruments, secure instrument supplies, and repair existing inventory. As part of the grant’s fulfillment, the foundation also accepted the band’s performance at the Oneida High/Middle School Veteran’s Day Program.
Also supported by a grant from the Peter R. Marsh Foundation and to further share their music, OHS band students traveled during their summer break to perform at Oneida Nursing & Rehab Center and Huntsville Post-Acute Rehabilitation Center.
The performance day proved to be a large success. At the Oneida Nursing & Rehab Center, the music resonated so deeply with the audience that several residents followed the band to each designated performance area just to hear them play a second time.
The day was not without its challenges, as road construction caused delays during the band’s transit to the Huntsville Post-Acute Rehabilitation Center. However, when the students arrived, they were greeted by a heart-warming surprise. The facility staff had already gathered all of the residents outside, waiting expectantly to listen to the band. Elliott described the arrival as a truly special moment.
“I really want to thank the staff at both Oneida Nursing & Rehab Center and Huntsville Post-Acute Rehabilitation Center,” Elliott said. “They were extremely helpful and accommodating. They were amazing to work with and expressed a desire for us to come back and it really meant a lot that they would work with us and want us to come again. I know our presence requires extra work on their part, and they were amazing about it. I’m just really proud of our students. These were students who showed up during their summer break to do a rehearsal and then spend the day traveling to put on these performances. I believe it’s just another testament to the culture of our band program and how amazing our students are. I am very grateful for them.”
Looking ahead, the OHS band program intends to continue applying for the Peter R. Marsh Foundation grant. However, Elliott emphasized that the true value of the program lies in the connection made between the students and their community, particularly with residents who have limited ability to travel outside of care facilities. The band hopes to schedule even more performances at both locations in the future.