Concert planning for Oen Eagle rank
While Eagle Scout Projects traditionally involve construction or conservation, Oen chose to think outside the box and used music to serve the community.
The 16-year-old sophomore at Webb School of Knoxville and a Life Scout with Troop 246, which meets in Hardin Valley Church of Christ, said the project was a lot — but very gratifying.
“Every musical performance by the students who volunteered brought joy to the senior residents, which in turn, made me feel happy,” said Oen, son of Bill and Ema Oen.
“Four concerts were at Farragut senior living homes — NHC Assisted Living and NHC Memory Care on Kingston Pike, as well as Autumn Care Assisted Living on Canton Hollow Road and Autumn Care Assisted Living on Herron Road,” said his dad, Bill Oen. “Three concerts were at senior living centers just outside of Farragut, two in West Knoxville and one in Karns.
“Beginning in November, Jonathan reached out to several senior centers and scheduled these winter concerts — some of which were subsequently postponed due to the snowstorm,” Bill Oen added. “Jonathan spent weeks recruiting student volunteers from his scout troop, church and school.
On concert days in January and February, “youth volunteers performed solos, duets and trios on a variety of instruments, including piano, violin, cello, bass, clarinet, trumpet, saxophone and guitar. Four volunteers sang solos,” the dad said. “Nearly all of the songs performed were era pieces the senior residents recognized, such as Elvis Presley classics.
“Many senior residents clapped their hands or tapped their toes to the music,” Bill Oen added. “A few sang along. The concerts brought joy to the senior residents and staff alike.”
With the project behind him, Oen still has other requirements he must finish before earning the Eagle Scout rank.
“I expect to earn Eagle this summer after serving several more months as assistant for Senior Patrol Leader), earning three more Eagle-required merit badges and, of course, going through my Eagle Scout Board of Review,” he said.
