Local Orchestra Promotes Anti-Bullying

ZANESVILLE, Ohio — The Southeastern Ohio Symphony Orchestra put on an anti-bullying show this afternoon.

The event held at the Pritchard Laughlin Civic Center in Cambridge was designed to create a fun and interactive approach to teaching kids about the importance of standing up against bullying. The production was made possible when Music Director Dr. Laura Schumann received a phone call back in 2013 from the National Endowment for the Arts in Washington to D.C.

“We received an invitation only grant with which we created this program. Especially in this day and age, it’s really, really important that our kids see that bullying is not okay. And the way we approach it is through instruments, and through music. And so an instrument bullies another instrument other than it being people, and so that makes it a little less personal, a little bit of an easier message,” said Schumann.

Schumann explained that though productions started in 2013, they have done it several times since because they want to continue to educate kids in the community on the message.

“We are striving to accept our diversity and know that the United States is a melting pot, it’s who and what we are. So to provide kindness and love to each other, that’s what we’re about. So anti-bullying, nobody should bully anyone, for anything, for any reason, ever,” Schumann added.

Members of the orchestra come from all over, Schumann explained. They have a partnership with Muskingum University and have several college student apprentices as well as high school students. They also have faculty members that participate in addition to regional members from Newark-Granville, Cleveland, Mansfield, and other areas.

Lastly, Schumann added that all kids get into the event free because they want as many kids as possible to have fun experiencing the event and have an opportunity to benefit from the message.

You can learn more about the Southeastern Ohio Symphony Orchestra and their upcoming performances at seoso.org.