Giving sight through sound: A Columbus school for the blind marches into student success

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Giving sight through sound. Each note, an open window to the world, giving clear vision that at one time wasn't there.

Teachers indicate for blind students, music can provide a great form of self-expression, help kids share their feelings and literally develop a rhythm for life.

The Ohio State School for the Blind is providing that drum beat of success for students.

The sweet sound of music can have a powerful and profound impact. That’s especially true for students at the Ohio State School for the Blind they are spreading a message of hope, perseverance and unbelievable notes.

We're going to have fun and we're going to try our best and that's all that really matters. We don't want to be noticed just because we're blind, like we want to be noticed because we're the best marching band in the land and we can overcome these challenges despite having a visual impairment," said student Adyah Navarro.

Overcoming challenges and letting nothing hold them back. For Adyah Navarro and her classmates at the Ohio State School for the Blind they're looking to serve as an inspiration to others.

We can do anything like everybody else can," said Navarro.

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ABC 6 met band members Wednesday at a performance at Rhodes Tower. School administrators have dubbed the talented group the world's only blind marching band.

Director, Yolanda Johnson told ABC 6 that being a part of the band is about much more than music.

It's important for us to give them these opportunities so they know that they have the same abilities as their peers in other schools. They just do it a little differently," said Johnson.

Most of the students have little to no vision, but plenty of purpose and passion.

Running a program like this can be expensive and time consuming. They're now calling on volunteers to help in their mission. Be it with donations of musical equipment or those willing to lend a hand working with students in the music program..

No matter what kind of day your having as soon as you get in the room with them their energy just brings a sense of happiness, a sense of peace. Their excitement of everything and their love of music, it's fun to share that with them," Johnson told ABC 6.

Students like Navarro don't plan to let anything stand in their way. They are confident, brave and despite the loss of sight they have plenty of vision for the future.

We can play really well. Despite our disadvantage of sight, I think we can make a difference in the world like hey we're here. We're doing this, so yeah that's all that really matters," said Navarro.

If you'd like to help the band out with equipment donations or just lending your time, click here for more information.