Fifty members of the Lima Symphony Orchestra recently performed a “Patriotic Pops” program for an unexpected audience: inmates at the Allen-Oakwood Correctional Institution (AOCI) in Ohio. This performance, held on June 30, was the culmination of years of planning and effort, according to Elizabeth Brown-Ellis, the executive director of the Lima Symphony Orchestra.
The Healing Through Music program, initiated by the Lima Symphony Orchestra in 2018, originally aimed to bring the therapeutic power of music to individuals struggling with addiction and mental health issues. The program initially focused on performances at local hospitals and shelters. However, shortly after its inception, a chaplain at AOCI reached out to Brown-Ellis, requesting that the program be extended to the prison.
AOCI, a mixed-security prison in Lima, Ohio, houses approximately 1,400 male inmates. Since 2018, various members of the orchestra have performed at the facility numerous times, though not as a full orchestra. These performances included string quartets, cello soloists, brass ensembles for the holidays, and woodwind groups. The orchestra even purchased a 40-piece drum set to facilitate drumming circles, allowing inmates to participate in the creative process.
The idea of bringing the entire orchestra to AOCI had been a long-standing dream. Plans for a full-orchestra “Patriotic Pops” performance were initially set for July 2020 but were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, in October 2023, discussions resumed, and the ambitious plan was set in motion once again.
The June 30 performance featured 50 musicians and lasted for one hour. The event was a significant logistical challenge, requiring extensive coordination and approval from prison officials and the Ohio Department of Corrections. Each musician had to undergo a background check and sign a media release form. Additionally, an inventory of every piece of music, instrument, and case had to be pre-approved. Numerous meetings were held to discuss rules and protocols, and strict guidelines were followed regarding what could be filmed or recorded.
The performance itself was largely a repeat of the orchestra’s other “Patriotic Pops” programs, with some notable exceptions. One highlight was the premiere of a piece called “Halls of Justice,” composed by Kevin Kohler, a former inmate at AOCI who was paroled in 2021 after serving an 18-year sentence. Kohler returned to the prison as a guest to hear the premiere of his composition.
Another unique aspect of the performance was the participation of a 100-member men’s chorus from AOCI, who joined the orchestra in singing “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.” One of the inmate singers, Jeff Hawkins, expressed the significance of the event, stating, “We want people on the outside to see us as people, too. We love music like they do. It moves us. It lifts us up.”
Brown-Ellis acknowledged the complexity of organizing the concert, noting that it required many layers of approval and coordination. Despite the challenges, she emphasized the transformative impact of the experience on both the musicians and the inmates. “Every single musician who has performed at AOCI, whether as part of the full-orchestra performance or the ensemble groups, has told me how this experience transformed them. It is the most meaningful and important work we have ever done,” she said.
The musicians were deeply moved by the experience, with Brown-Ellis noting that they were respectful and attentive listeners. The inmates, in turn, welcomed the musicians into their environment, sharing their stories and opening their hearts. During performances, Brown-Ellis often observed the inmates closing their eyes and allowing the music to transport them to another place and time.
The Lima Symphony Orchestra hopes to return to AOCI for future performances, but the decision ultimately lies with the Ohio Department of Corrections. In the meantime, the orchestra will continue its smaller ensemble performances at the facility.
Reflecting on the experience, Brown-Ellis expressed gratitude for the opportunity to bring music into the prison. “People often comment [on how] fortunate the inmates are that we bring music into the prison,” she said. “We are the lucky ones. We have brought them hope and peace, and they have given us even more.”
The performance at AOCI was a historic event, requiring special permission from the Ohio Department of Corrections. It stands as a testament to the power of music to bring hope and peace, even in the most unexpected places.
Source: Fox News Digital
