Blake Shelton made a surprise visit to Ada High School, his alma mater, to celebrate a significant donation of musical instruments and training provided by the nonprofit organization Music Will. The event, attended by over 550 students, aimed to enhance the school’s music program and inspire the next generation of musicians.
Key Takeaways
- Blake Shelton surprised students at Ada High School with a visit.
- Music Will donated thousands of dollars in instruments, including guitars, amplifiers, and drums.
- The initiative aims to broaden music education opportunities for students.
A Surprise Appearance
During a lively assembly, Bryan Powell, chief program officer of Music Will, invited Shelton to join him on stage. The students erupted in cheers as Shelton, dressed casually in a ballcap and jeans, reminisced about his time at the school, noting that it had been over two decades since he last visited.
"It’s pretty cool to be here," Shelton said, reflecting on the changes since his graduation in 1994. He emphasized the importance of music education and encouraged students to explore their musical interests.
The Donation’s Impact
The donation, facilitated by Music Will, is part of a broader initiative to connect artists with their hometowns and support music education. Since its inception in 2002, Music Will has impacted over 1.8 million students across the United States by providing instruments, teacher training, and curriculum resources.
Shelton contributed a Takamine guitar to the donation, sharing his personal connection to the brand and encouraging students to pursue their musical passions. He highlighted the joy of playing music, stating, "Someday when you’re older, coming home from work, you’re going to love the idea of walking into your house and just grabbing an acoustic guitar and sitting around and playing."
Encouraging Future Musicians
The event also featured three Ada High School students who had the opportunity to ask Shelton questions about his music career. Shelton shared his early experiences learning guitar and expressed his excitement about the new instruments available to students.
"You guys are going to have the opportunity to learn at a little bit of a higher level, and it’s just going to be an incredible gift," he said, as the curtains parted to reveal the donated instruments, eliciting gasps of excitement from the audience.
Expanding Music Opportunities
The partnership with Music Will aims to provide diverse musical opportunities for students who may not be interested in traditional band instruments. Band Director Richard Howard expressed gratitude for the donation, noting that it would help engage students who might prefer playing guitar or drums.
"If they can quietly strum an acoustic guitar, that might be what it takes to get them involved," Howard said, emphasizing the importance of accessibility in music education.
Student Reactions
Logan Briscoe, one of the students who shared the stage with Shelton, expressed his enthusiasm for the new instruments and their potential to grow the school’s jazz band program. He noted that the donation would allow more students to explore their musical interests and develop their skills.
"The kid that’s kicking around learning the drums but doesn’t have the access to learn the drums now has a drum set to learn on," Briscoe said, highlighting the positive impact of the donation on his peers.
Shelton’s surprise visit and the generous donation from Music Will mark a significant step in enhancing the music program at Ada High School, inspiring students to pursue their musical dreams and fostering a love for music in the community.
