Keys to music
Fourth graders at Archbold Elementary School explore a piano keyboard Feb. 20 with the help of Dr. Lucia Unrau, a professor and chair of music at Bluffton University. Archbold students can enter the instrumental music program in fifth grade, so Beth Voll, the district’s director of bands and a Bluffton alumna, invited a Bluffton music contingent to introduce the fourth graders to various instruments at the “petting zoo.” Joining Unrau were Dr. Adam Schattschneider, also a professor of music; Dr. Roy Couch, a visiting assistant professor; Dr. Renee Keller, an adjunct percussion instructor; and 10 student members of Bluffton’s chapter of the Ohio Collegiate Music Education Association. Through their efforts, “80 Archbold fourth graders now think that band is a super cool and exciting option for them to explore next year,” Voll said. “They learned that band is valued and an important part of their schooling and community.”
Stories Posted This Week
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
- Columbus Grove-Bluffton Rd. closure planned for up to three weeks
- Two Pirate volleyball players make 1st team All-NWC
- 3 Pirate girls 1st team All-NWC soccer
- Pirates dominate All-NWC boys soccer awards
- Local filmmaker focuses on memories made by people and places
- Bluffton Public Library: Medicare 101
- BHS artists prepare Yankee Doodle Christmas Trees for Jingle Bell Stroll
Monday, October 19, 2026
- Beavers sports roundup, October 14-18
- Ada Icon headlines, October 19
- JessExpress Travel is the Icon's newest advertiser
- Gatchel 7th in girls, Pirates 4th at NWC cross country meet
- Veterans invited to Pandora-Gilboa banquet, November 10
- October 19 Bluffton Schools athletics lineup, streaming
- Wearable sculptures featured in exhibit On Soft Ground
- Historic depot rentals offered for meetings and parties
Sunday, October 18, 2026
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Friday, October 16, 2026
- Production offers a modern take on the story of St. Clare of Assisi
- Bluffton volleyball edged in 5 by Van Buren
- Pirate girls soccer tie O-G
- Bluffton Council recap: Officers honored for 25 years of service
- Bluffton Clean Up teams up with Troop 3256 Cub Scouts
- Ada FFA: Feeding the Farmers
- Nov. 7 Fall Community Day at Bluffton University
- Quarry Farm Nature Preserve news for Fall 2026