More than bell ringing: Salvation Army tunes into the community with free music classes
CENTENNIAL, Colo. — Red kettle bell ringing around the holidays is probably the most well-known sounds of the Salvation Army. The corps in Centennial is there to say it offers many more musical opportunities than that.
“Music always brings everyone together,” said Aden Buhl, a teen who participates in the free music programs at Salvation Army Centennial. With pre-pandemic times only having about eight kids consistently attend, Buhl is now one of 43 attending regularly, making it a key part of dealing with life’s stresses and more.
“With all this pressure from school, social pressure, just a pressure to conform, I think it’s good to express yourself and I think music allows yourself to do that,” said Buhl. “And it’s even better when you’re expressing yourself with others.”
One of the programs, Thrive Youth, which is free and open to kids aged 5-17, meets every Tuesday afternoon to learn music theory, beginners and intermediate brass, drumline, ukulele, band and choir – just to name a few.
“Music is just such a great way to just you know bring creativity out of the kids,” said Lt. Betty Vesikula of the Centennial Corps. “It’s a great way to watch them grow from not knowing anything and watching their journey and seeing them thrive and gain more confidence.”
The year-round program, taught by volunteers, also has goals for the kids to work towards. They hold four main performances each year including a fall and spring showcase which are free and hope to also provide awareness to the community about the full scope of the Salvation Army.
“We do provide social services, programs, you know, during the Christmas season, we give out toys during that season as well, but we wanted the community to know that we’re not just here during Christmas, we’re available for them,” said Vesikula.
For Buhl, this music program is something he finds integral to not only his own life but a main way to connect with his community.
“Without this, I would be lost community-wise. This is my community; this is my musical community. This is where I can share my progress in music. It’s where I can share all these different things,” said Buhl. “Without it, I wouldn’t just be able to kind of express myself.”
Brian Willie is the content production manager at Rocky Mountain PBS. You can reach him at brianwillie@rmpbs.org.
Amanda Horvath is the managing producer at Rocky Mountain PBS. You can reach her at amandahorvath@rmpbs.org.