The Ouibache Music Festival presented its Bryan Metzger Legacy Award to teacher Julie Doan Baumann, who teaches music at Hershey Elementary School and Dayton Elementary School. The $1,500 gift will be used to purchase ukuleles as a way to introduce students to traditional music. 

For Baumann, this is an opportunity to share her love of instruments with her students. “We will be able to purchase enough so students get their own instrument in class and experience the joy of playing an instrument, as well as the responsibility and care that goes into maintaining them,” says Baumann. “The ukuleles are easy to learn with only four strings and perfect size for an elementary student.” 

The Ouibache Music Festival is an Americana-roots event dedicated to preserving the virtues and values of traditional American music. The selection committee felt this program would impact the greatest number of students.

“Our organization is proud to be able to help the music programs in the Tippecanoe School Corporation,” says President/CEO of the Ouibache Music Festival Inc. Scott Freeman. “We want to recognize Baumann’s commitment to excellence and her dedication to making sure the next generation gets all the tools they need to succeed.”