Oklahoma School For The Blind Wins Jazz Band Competition

An Oklahoma public school has taken the title of Jazz Band Champs for the fifth time in a row. The students are all visually impaired, but it doesn't hold them back from making music.

The students at the Oklahoma School for the Blind's jazz band work in perfect harmony. From the percussion, to brass, and a saxophone solo, this jazz band keeps taking home the gold.

“These guys stepped up to the plate," said Chris Ferrell. Chris has directed the music program at the Muskogee school for 14 years.

He said all of the students are all visually impaired, many fully blind, and they learn songs through braille, iPads and memorization.

“Learned to memorize the notes for the songs we play," said Julio Valdez. "A lot of memorization and practice has helped me get better over the years.”

Trombone player Julio Valdez said he plays the notes over and over and it just clicks.

“Definitely not impossible. If you want to do it, you just have to find a way to do it," Julio said.

Abby Norton knocks it out of the park on the saxophone.

“As soon as we got in there and sat down, we were like, it's time, we can do this," Abby said.

The state championship in Edmond last week was the first one since 2019 due to COVID. Previously, the band had taken home the outstanding title four years straight.

“They were again named the outstanding jazz band for Class 2A," Chris said.

Chris said he’s proud of his incredible group of students who come from all over the state to be at this school.

With many getting ready to graduate, he said the incoming freshmen will make sure the music doesn't stop.