(WWJ) -- Oxford High School is receiving support through the power of music.
Bands and choirs around the state and across the country are paying tribute to the school by learning to play its fight song.
A press release from the district states that over 80 schools -- including the marching bands from Michigan State University, Central Michigan University, and the University of Michigan -- have participated in the effort.
Oxford High School Band Director Jim Gibbons and Oxford Middle School Band Director Brad Schmaltz shared the fight song’s sheet music online after they were contacted by a fellow band director and asked how to show support for the community.
“This is a very busy time in the band world because they’re working on their holiday concerts. But they’ve taken time out of that to learn our fight song and play it for us, as well as their own communities. It’s just overwhelming for us,” says Gibbons in a press release.
A video edited together by Oxford High student Somer Lach shows bands and choirs playing pieces of the song, and stitches them together to create one moving performance.
“All of them playing the same piece of music. All having the same drive. All having the same fight. No matter where us band kids are or how old we are or how experienced we are, we can always come together to create something beautiful like this in a time of need and tragedy,” Lach said.
Written in 1944 by an Oxford High School student, the Oxford fight song is traditionally played as the final bell of the school day.
Those who are not musically inclined but would like to show their support for the Oxford district can purchase supplies through a wishlist created by Marshall Music Co. that will be donated to music students.
Related
