Ada High School’s Cougar Activity Center buzzed with excitement this past Monday as students expecting a routine music talk were surprised by a visit from country music icon and alumnus Blake Shelton. The Grammy-nominated artist and coach from “The Voice” wasn’t there just to reminisce or perform; he brought gifts in the form of musical instruments valued at over $5,000, a donation made possible through the non-profit organization Music Will.
Amidst the lively atmosphere, Shelton shared his insights, emphasizing the lasting impact of music on life’s journey. According to NewsOn6, he spoke about the therapeutic benefits of music, saying, “Someday when you’re older, coming home from work, you’re gonna love the idea of walking into your house and grabbing an acoustic guitar and sitting around. It’s the coolest thing in the world. It really is.” His words resonated with students, hinting at the positive influence music can have on their futures.
This generous donation included guitars, drums, amplifiers, and other equipment designed to enhance the school’s music program and inspire a new generation of musical talent. Music Will is actively seeking partnerships to expand its efforts in Oklahoma, encouraging school officials to support their mission.
The excitement among the students extended beyond the new instruments. Sophomore Logan Briscoe, who performed alongside Shelton, expressed hope that the donation would boost participation in the school’s jazz band program. As reported by The Oklahoman, Briscoe remarked, “I love it. I get to play guitar for an hour a day. … I’ve been encouraging other people I know to join jazz band just to grow the group.” This sentiment underscored that Shelton’s visit was more than just a publicity stunt; it was a genuine contribution to the school’s artistic community.
Ada High’s band director, Richard Howard, reflected on how Shelton’s story resonated with the students, encouraging them to see parallels between their journeys and Shelton’s own path. He told the students, as noted by NewsOn6, “Hopefully, the kids will realize, looking at Blake, he was a student just like them not that long ago, and if you work at it, things can happen.” These encouraging words perfectly captured the spirit of the event, marking a significant moment for Ada High.
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