THE ONLY ONE IN THE LAND

Music is an essential part of the education at Ohio State School for the Blind founded in 1837.  Since most of their  students have little to no vision, music takes on added significance as the most approachable art form in which they can participate. All students K-8, and all students with multiple disabilities take music classes. They  also offer a diverse array of performing groups, including the world’s ONLY Blind Marching Band.  The High School Marching Band, the Marching Panthers  meets five times a week, plus a marching practice once a week during football season. Participants must also attend a week long band camp during the summer. The OSSBMB performs at area football games and performs as a pep band at the Ohio School for the Deaf basketball games. The Parent and Teacher Staff’s present project is funding the Marching Band’s trip to Tampa Florida to perform in the 2020 Outback Bowl College Football game and Parade.  As the only band in the word in which all the members are blind, they will again have the opportunity to inspire crowds and viewers from around the world as they perform before a nationally televised audience.  This BAND is an ambassador for the visually impaired community on a broad scale.  As they share their talents and promote the abilities of people with disabilities, they are truly raising awareness  of those that have visual impairments.