Ohio State School for the Blind Musicians Spell Braille "Ohio"
Musicians from the Ohio State School for the Blind (OSSB), the Marching Panthers, joined The Ohio State University Marching Band during halftime at the September 21 Buckeye football game for a unique rendition of fan favorite, "Script Ohio." While Ohio State’s band formed the traditional "Script Ohio" on one side of the field, the Panthers spelled out “Ohio” in Braille on the other.
Twelve band members are needed to spell out Braille "Ohio," including two i-dotters for the Braille i.
OSSB band director and Ohio State alumna Carol Agler (BA, MA, music education) said, “Everyone absolutely adores when we do Braille 'Ohio;' it’s truly a thrill for our i-dotters.”
Ohio State’s involvement with OSSB students, grades 7 to 12, doesn’t stop with the traditional crowd pleaser. “We’ve worked with their band for several years,” said Jon Waters, director of Ohio State’s marching band. “We are humble partners. It’s all about music. All about the kids.”
Waters invites OSSB students to join Ohio State’s band during several summer practices on campus, and sends university musicians to the Columbus school’s summer band camp.