HOMETOWN HEROES: Wellington teens start program to give free music lessons to foster kids
by Samantha Kerrigan
Monday, January 24th 2022
WELLINGTON, Fla. (CBS12) — At just 16 years old, Anden Toale and Jocelyn Spellman are using their passion for music as a way to give back to other kids in our community.
The Wellington High School band students are the proud co-founders of a program that provides free music lessons for foster children in Palm Beach County, called ‘Music Buddies.’
Anden started playing the piano when he was eight years old and then the flute a couple years later.
“It’s a good way to express yourself and I get to play any sort of fun song I want,” he says.
Jocelyn also started on the piano before her interests turned to percussion.
“It’s just really fun and I have a lot of friends who do it with me, so it’s cool to jam out with them,” she says.
Now, this pair of friends is sharing that love of music with other kids who might not have the same musical opportunities they had growing up.
“We wanted to see if we could find a way to give back and give those kids a chance to take music lessons even if it’s not with a professional instructor, but just with someone else,” Anden says.
Anden Toale and Jocelyn Spellman are Wellington High School band students and proud co-founders of 'Music Buddies' - a program that provides free music lessons for foster children in Palm Beach County. (Music Buddies)
Through the Students Speak Up for Kids organization, which supports foster children in our area, Anden and Jocelyn started ‘Music Buddies.’
They recruit other high school band students to serve as instructors, and the program has already given instruments and lessons to dozens of foster kids.
“Having this opportunity to give back by doing something I’ve always enjoyed and that’s had a big impact on my life is a really nice experience,” Anden says.
“It makes me feel like I’m actually making an impact on other people’s lives,” Jocelyn adds.
Anden’s mom, Sandy Toale, helps manage the program.
She admits bringing ‘Music Buddies’ to life during the pandemic had its challenges, but it was all worth it.
“It’s been so rewarding to watch the instructors, which are the high school students, as well as the foster children just blossom and grow and establish a connection through music,” Sandy says.
Anden and Jocelyn say their main goal is to make sure all their “music buddies” are enjoying their lessons and feeling supported.
“We hope that at some point they fine an instrument they like and go on to be in the band,” Anden says. “Band is like a family so they can join it and have a place where they feel safe and have a lot of friends,” he adds.
There are lots of ways to get involved with ‘Music Buddies.’
If you’d like to learn more about the program, just visit their website.
And be sure to tell us about the people making a difference in your community.
Send us your nominations to hometownheroes@cbs12.com.