Music Instruction
Music is an essential part of a student's education at OSSB. Because most of our students have little to no vision, music takes on added significance as the most approachable art form for them to participate in. All students K-8, and all students with multiple disabilities take music classes. We also offer a diverse array of performing groups, including the nation's only blind Marching Band, junior high band and choir, and two high school choirs, as well as private instruction so that interested students can find the musical experience that suits them best.
Students learn to read music Braille as well as gain the ability to learn music by ear, our sighted students learn to read standard music notation. We also take advantage of the Artist in Residence program in order to expose the students to the music of other cultures, launching the entire school into the study of a continent or country. This promotes cultural diversity and tolerance, and it encourages the students to open their minds to the many different kinds of music that are out there for them to enjoy. It is our goal to mold human beings who are creative, intellectually curious, and culturally aware.
- Multiple Disabilities Students have music twice a week.
- Elementary Students have music three times a week.
- Jr. High Students have music three to five times a week.
- Varsity Choir (High school) meets five times a week.
- Cadet Choir meets five times a week.
- Marching Band meets three times a week, plus a marching practice once a week. Participants must also attend a week long band camp during the summer. They play at the Ohio School for the Deaf football games and perform as a pep band at their basket ball games.
- Private lessons occur once a week.
- Carol Agler: Music Director, Music Teacher, Marching Band Co-Director, Director of Choirs
- Dan Kelley: Marching Band Co-Director
- John Keesey: Accompanist, Private lessons
- Visit the Music News website for important information from your Panther Music Staff!!
Music Braille:
This website offers a description of Music Braille and how it works.
http://www.brl.org/codes/session09/notes.html
Summer Music Braille Institute
http://www.blindmusicstudent.org/Summer_Institute.htm
National Resource Center for Blind Musicians including how to use Finale to enlarge music on the computer screen.
http://www.blindmusicstudent.org/
Very Special Arts Organization (VSA)
http://www.vsarts.org
'GoodFeel' Music Braille generating (transcription) computer program
'Cakewalk' Music Recording and Notation software
'JAWS' software
http://www.dancingdots.com
Music Braille Product Guide: Provides many products associated with music Braille.
www.opustec.com/products/guide.html