In a heartwarming display of community support, two Louisiana high schools, Kinder and Oakdale, have been awarded significant grants to bolster their band programs. These funds are set to open up a world of possibilities for the talented young musicians, who are eager to showcase their skills and inspire their peers.

Unlocking the Potential of Louisiana's Budding Bandleaders

Oakdale High: Amplifying the Community's Voice

Oakdale High's drum major, Shelby Domingue, is brimming with excitement about the opportunities this grant will bring. "Music as a whole is really integral to Oakdale and our community, and with this grant, it's just going to make it so much easier and help us use our voice so much better to represent Oakdale," she enthuses. The funds will be used to purchase much-needed percussion and low brass instruments, which can cost thousands of dollars each. This investment will not only benefit the high school's band program but also support the feeder program at Oakdale Middle School. "The more young students interested, the greater chance they will continue in high school – ultimately, growing their entire band program," explains Warrior Band Director Tim Vasquez.

Kinder High: Marching Towards Success

Over at Kinder High, the marching band is riding high on a recent victory and is eager to build on their momentum. "When I was a freshman, we had around 20 people in band, and now it's to almost 50, so if we're going to keep that growth going, even after I'm gone, we need this grant money," shares band student Matthew Courville. The senior band members and band director Jordan Moore have witnessed the inspiring growth of the program over the past few years. "You know, it's hard to have a big band at a small school; it's hard to compete. But, to still have that music or something, and that's what our superintendent is trying to do, to get music as a foundation for our students," Moore explains.

Oberlin High: Drumming Up a New Tradition

The grant's impact extends beyond Kinder and Oakdale, as a portion of the funds will also be allocated towards purchasing drums for Oberlin High. Superintendent Brad Solieau has shared that the plan is to begin a drumline program at Oberlin next year, further expanding the musical opportunities for students in the region.These grants, provided by the Louisiana Department of Education, are a testament to the state's commitment to nurturing the artistic talents of its young people. As the band directors and students alike express their gratitude and excitement, it's clear that these investments will have a lasting impact on the lives of these budding musicians and the communities they represent.