Bowling Green Music Outreach is a program comprised of Bowling Green High School students in the choral activities program, band, and orchestra who go to nursing homes around the city to perform for the residents. Senior Olivia Johnson started the program in September of 2017. Twice a month, Olivia gathers a group of students and organizes their performances, which usually last for a total of thirty minutes, and afterwards, the students stay and interact with residents.
National Honors Society, Beta Club, and Governor's Scholars Program, as well as college applications all require volunteer hours. Bowling Green Music Outreach intends to offer a way for musically-inclined students to volunteer in a way that appeals to them and gives them a chance to better their skills. Olivia had the idea to start the program because she saw the amount of musical talent in our school and thought that the program would give “[students] a way to practice for their auditions and do something that they are actually good at in their community.”
Ben Carter, who has been involved in the program since it began, plays piano and sings for the residents. He agrees with Olivia, saying, “I participate in BG Music Outreach because I love the idea of using art to directly better people’s lives. It gives students performance opportunities, allowing them to work on their craft in front of a very gracious audience.” He also likes the interaction with the residents. “Nothing makes my heart happier than seeing senior citizens react to students like us perform,” said Ben.
BG Music Outreach “challenges us [the students involved] to be better leaders, to work together, and to show off our talents,” according to Amanda Pate, the secretary of the program. The program offers a creative way to bring students together and better the community.
National Honors Society, Beta Club, and Governor's Scholars Program, as well as college applications all require volunteer hours. Bowling Green Music Outreach intends to offer a way for musically-inclined students to volunteer in a way that appeals to them and gives them a chance to better their skills. Olivia had the idea to start the program because she saw the amount of musical talent in our school and thought that the program would give “[students] a way to practice for their auditions and do something that they are actually good at in their community.”
Ben Carter, who has been involved in the program since it began, plays piano and sings for the residents. He agrees with Olivia, saying, “I participate in BG Music Outreach because I love the idea of using art to directly better people’s lives. It gives students performance opportunities, allowing them to work on their craft in front of a very gracious audience.” He also likes the interaction with the residents. “Nothing makes my heart happier than seeing senior citizens react to students like us perform,” said Ben.
BG Music Outreach “challenges us [the students involved] to be better leaders, to work together, and to show off our talents,” according to Amanda Pate, the secretary of the program. The program offers a creative way to bring students together and better the community.
By Emma Kate Widener