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Today, Country music superstar Blake Shelton made a surprise visit at Ada High School in Ada, Oklahoma to celebrate the launch and expansion of his hometown’s music program on behalf of Music Will, the largest nonprofit music education program for schools in the United States.

The kick-off event---a surprise visit for the students---welcomed the full 550+ Ada High School student body to hear Blake Shelton share the story of his successful career and respond to student questions. It also celebrated the 10th anniversary of Shelton’s platinum-selling hit album Bringing Back the Sunshine, which features Ada’s town water tower on its album cover. Shelton spoke to students about growing up in Ada and what inspired him to pursue a life in music, while emphasizing the broad benefits of music education.

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Shelton came on stage to cheers of excitement from the students at his alma mater, sharing "I wanted to come up and be a part of this because I think this is a really cool opportunity for any of you students out here that are interested in music. Whether it's a career path for you, something that you want to pursue, or you just want to learn how to play the guitar. Thank you to Music Will for what we're doing here today."

The funds for this program and future school presentations with Oklahoma-native musicians across the state are being made possible by longtime Music Will supporters, Jules Follett and Scott Boyd. Music Will is also providing acoustic guitars, electric guitars, a drum kit, mic stands, amps, strings andamp; guitar straps for Ada High School---revealed to students at the event---all donated by the organization’s supporters.

Music Will CEO Mike Wasserman said, “We’re thrilled to be launching this new program in Blake Shelton’s name, right here in his hometown of Ada, Oklahoma. It’s an honor to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Bringing Back the Sunshine with the community that inspired it. Thanks to the generosity of our donor, we’re not only commemorating this special occasion, but also expanding music education opportunities for students in a way that will have a lasting impact. We’re excited to see the positive changes this program will bring to schools here in Ada and beyond.” 

Music Will has long inspired young people with school visits by artists. Recent visitors have included singer/producer and multi-Grammy Award winner Babyface; songwriter/producer and multi-Grammy Award winner Pharrell Williams; acclaimed hip hop artist Wiz Khalifa, and Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello.

Music Will is dedicated to expanding access to popular music education for students across Oklahoma. In partnership with school districts, the Oklahoma State Department of Education, and the Oklahoma Music Educators Association, the nonprofit has provided professional development and curricular resources to over 100 teachers, impacting over 17,000 students in 42 districts to date.

Highlights include a districtwide initiative in Oklahoma City Public Schools, and support for "The Collective," Oklahoma’s inaugural Popular Music Festival debuting in January 2025 to showcase student-driven original music from talented high school musicians statewide.

This instrument donation is part of Music Will's effort to broaden access to music education in Oklahoma, helping teachers bring popular music into their classrooms and empowering students to engage in music-making across the state.