Whatever the tune, the holidays just wouldn't be the same without music. Of course, holidays aren't the only time that music helps set the mood. Music evokes strong emotions and brings pleasure to listeners and participants alike throughout our lives. Music is part of the fabric of our existence. It sets the mood for an event and serves as the background for much of our social, relaxation and entertainment endeavors.
Music takes many forms around the world and in Franklin County too.
A recent Ottawa Middle School instrumental band concert boasted 75 sixth grade budding musicians- a record number at the school. The sixth grade band, which marched for the first time during the Yule Fest Melodies of Christmas parade in downtown Ottawa, was visibly larger than the combined seventh and eighth grade band. What a thrill it would be to retain the majority of those sixth graders in band again next year. However, band participation takes a noticeable nose dive in seventh grade as students are offered more elective class options, including athletic endeavors and must make hard choices. Students can't participate in every activity they enjoy within the confines of the school's curriculum, so ultimately an activity must be sacrificed.