TALLADEGA - AL -
The sounds that come from instruments are the lifeblood of one East Alabama high school's band. The students don't have the newest or fanciest instruments. However, the smiles on the students' faces show the true value of the program.
"At first, my heart was set on playing the piano but then I found that I liked playing this better," said freshman Keyunna Maddox while looking down at her saxophone.
This is not your traditional school and these are certainly not your ordinary students.
"Just because our eyes are not as good as them doesn't mean we can't play as good as them or better than them," said junior Wesley Baker.
Nestled in the hills of Talladega, is The Alabama School for the Blind. It is a place where students can make music in an environment created just for them. Each of the students has a visual impairment to a varying degree.
"To see the glow of the students when they pick it up and, some students have partial vision and they can tell that 'wow this is a really nice instrument.,'" said Music Director Chad Bell.
It is the reaction Bell is hoping to see again when new instruments arrive in the coming weeks. The school was one of several hundred in the country to apply and the only school in Alabama to receive a grant to buy and repair instruments.
"These students need music," said Bell. "Music helps not only in an artistic way but it's connected with so many other disciplines."
Unlike other state funded schools, here the instruments are provided for the students and it is making a difference. Baker says he and his sax have developed a sort of understanding.
"It kinda calms me down if my emotions start running I'll just play music," he said.
While the grant is not much, about $2,500, it will make a world of difference for the program. Many of the students play more than one instrument and have to swap with their classmates.
"Some people just don't think people with a visual impairment can do much," said senior piano player Lizzie Cobble.
Through their music, Cobble and her classmates plan to continue pushing forward, proving those people wrong.
While the grant will help, the music program could certainly use your gifts. Click here to make a donation.
