Operation Gig makes a significant impact on the OC Veteran Community
28 July 2021
This summer, Orange County Music and Dance (OCMD) launched its newest outreach program, Operation Gig. Through the healing powers of music, Operation Gig has brought the veteran community together during these times of social isolation. Our veteran bands have been rehearsing weekly for their debut at the Concert in the Park on July 31, 2021. Our weekly group classes have launched countless new aspiring musicians who have learned new skills, met new friends and pushed their boundaries of confidence and self-esteem.
Over the last eight weeks, veterans have been learning and rehearsing together and building solid relationships. In total, Operation Gig has served more than 40 Veterans in 9 weekly music classes and two bands! Operation Gig wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our donors. While reflecting on their experience, both participants and coaches alike are overcome with immense gratitude for the opportunity to connect with fellow vets and, in many cases, learn a new skill.
Marten Andersson, the professional bass guitarist for Steelheart, has been coaching one of the Veteran Bands through the duration of the program. “I am so proud of them. They are really teaching me so much more than I am teaching them, and musically they have progressed so much in just a few weeks. It is a beautiful thing to see them all smile and have a great time,” said Andersson.
Operation Gig Band Coach, Marten Andersson Photo by Sarah Delgado
“I've always dabbled in music and I always wanted to take it further, but I never had a vehicle to pursue it,” said Robert Carter, a 20 year Navy veteran, and Operation Gig participant. “I was introduced to Operation Gig by a friend and it sounded like it was just what I was looking for. After participating in the program, it has exceeded my expectations! It has enlightened me in a lot of ways it has brought me out of my shell. I’ve been able to socialize with people on a musical level and it's given me musical confidence that I didn't have before. I’m just so grateful for Operation Gig.” Robert will perform as a bass guitarist in one of our Operation Gig bands and has enjoyed taking bass guitar lessons weekly.
Operation Gig Participant Robert Carter playing the Bass Guitar Photo by Sarah Delgado
The culmination concert in the park will be held in Irvine’s Great Park Neighborhoods at Beacon Park from 11 am-2 pm on July 31st. The event will include live music, veteran resource booths, and family fun activities. At this time, catered meals are sold out, but we invite you to join us and bring your own picnic lunch! For more information, visit https://ocmusicdance.org/operationgig.
About OC Music and Dance
OC Music & Dance is one of Orange County’s premier nonprofit community performing arts schools, with a diverse student body of over 400 children, ranging in ages from 18 months to 18 years old. Through its financial assistance program, OCMD aims to make the arts accessible to every child, regardless of their family’s ability to pay. Nearly 54% of their students are on financial assistance, ranging from 15% to 80%. OCMD's spacious 21,000 square-foot facility offers 16 practice rooms, two large dance studios, fully equipped recording studios, and a 150-seat black box theater equipped with a 21-foot LED screen, professional-quality theatrical sound, lighting, and tiered seating.