Prison hosts Ohio orchestra concert to promote 'hope and peace': 'Significant, impactful performance'

An Ohio orchestra of fifty members recently performed a "Patriotic Pops" program for an unforeseen audience: inmates at a nearby prison.

Elizabeth Brown-Ellis, executive director of the Lima Symphony Orchestra, revealed to Planet Chronicle Digital in an email that the June 30 performance was the culmination of several years of hard work.

"In 2018, the Lima Symphony Orchestra launched its Healing Through Music program, with the aim of harnessing the therapeutic power of music for individuals grappling with addiction and mental health issues."

An Ohio prison allowed a full orchestra to perform on June 30, possibly marking the first time in the U.S., according to Brown-Ellis.

The orchestra, originally based in Lima, Ohio, originally performed at hospitals and shelters in the area.

The chaplain at the Allen-Oakwood Correctional Institution (AOCI) contacted Brown-Ellis shortly after the Healing Through Music program began, requesting that the program be brought to the prison as well.

The Allen-Oakwood Correctional Institution, located in Lima with approximately 1,400 male inmates, is essentially two different facilities on one campus, according to her.

Since 2018, the orchestra has performed dozens of times at the facility, according to Brown-Ellis.

"We initially had a string quartet, but now we host cello soloists, brass ensembles for the holidays, and woodwind groups," she stated. "We bought a 40-piece drum set and regularly host drumming circles in both facilities, allowing inmates to participate in the creative process."

"After the Lima Symphony Orchestra started visiting the prison, we envisioned having the entire orchestra at AOCI," she stated.

In July 2020, a "full-orchestra 'Patriotic Pops' performance" was planned, but the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted those plans.

Ambitious plan is reignited

In Oct. 2023, the Lima Symphony Orchestra and the AOCI will discuss a performance once again, with a plan to bring 50 musicians to perform a one-hour concert, she said.

She stated that our sound man utilized the prison's existing equipment, and two inmates assisted him in running sound.

"Our 'Patriotic Pops' program on the weekend was largely a repeat of our previous two performances, with some exceptions," she stated.

A former inmate at AOCI, Kevin Kohler, composed a piece of music titled "Halls of Justice."

Kohler was paroled in 2021 after serving an 18-year sentence.

On the third anniversary of Kevin's parole, he was invited back to AOCI as a guest to hear the premiere of his composition, according to Brown-Ellis.

The choral accompaniment at the end of the program was the second difference, she stated.

The Lima Symphony Orchestra was accompanied by a 100-member men's chorus from AOCI, who sang "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" as our orchestral musicians played.

"We want people on the outside to see us as people, too. We love music like they do. It moves us. It lifts us up."

The Lima Symphony Orchestra shared a statement from singer Jeff Hawkins about his experience.

He stated, "We desire to be perceived as individuals by those on the outside, just as we appreciate and are moved by music in the same way."

The concert's success was not an easy task, according to Brown-Ellis. It necessitated "several levels of approval" from prison officials and the Ohio Department of Corrections.

Brown-Ellis stated that each individual was required to undergo a background check and sign a media release form.

"We were required to submit an inventory of all items entering the prison, including music, instruments, and cases. This was approved beforehand."

The Lima Symphony Orchestra had to adhere to strict guidelines when filming or recording their performance, as there were numerous meetings to discuss rules and protocols.

The Ohio Department of Corrections (ODC) played the most significant role in making the historical event happen, according to Brown-Ellis.

ODC personnel will make the decision on whether the Lima Symphony Orchestra will return to AOCI, as Brown-Ellis has already begun discussing plans for next year.

She stated that the Lima Symphony Orchestra will continue to perform in smaller ensembles.

Brown-Ellis remarked that inmates are often fortunate to have music brought into the prison, as it is often commented upon.

She said she disagrees with this, but instead, "We are the lucky ones."

"Each musician who has performed at AOCI, whether as part of the full-orchestra or ensemble groups, has shared with me how this experience has transformed them. It is the most significant and valuable work we have ever undertaken," she stated.

"The musicians are highly respectful and attentively listen, while the inmates invite us into their homes, share their stories, and open their hearts to us."

She remarked that during performances, she often observes men closing their eyes and letting the music take them to a different location and era.

"They have given us even more hope and peace in return."

The Allen-Oakwood Correctional Institution was contacted by Planet Chronicle Digital for more information on their performance and any upcoming shows.