Tens of thousands of visitors arrived in Oceana County for the annual Electric Forest festival last month. The four-day event has brought music and energy to Rothbury since 2011, and organizers have worked to ensure that its impact extends far beyond the festival gates.
The Electric Forest Charitable Fund in the Oceana Community Foundation (OCF) is a sustained investment aimed at strengthening local communities year-round.
One of the clearest examples of that impact is the continued growth of the Music in Schools program, led by the OCF. Supporting students across multiple districts, the program is helping ensure that access to music education remains strong.
This year’s program was made possible through a collaborative funding effort led by Electric Forest with a $10,000 contribution, joined by seven additional foundation partners: JT Sackett Fund ($10,000), David P. Markiewicz Memorial Fund ($1,300), Little Point Sable – Arts for Oceana County Fund ($3,000), Happy Farmers Art of Living Fund ($2,000), Carnes Family Fund for Music Arts Camp ($500), Edward and Evelyn Kolbe Fund ($2,800), and the Patrick “Rick” Aerts Band & Music Therapy Fund ($400).
Together, these investments are equipping music programs with new instruments, curriculum materials, uniforms and technology that many schools would otherwise struggle to afford through their budgets. From elementary classrooms in Hart and Shelby to band and choir programs in Hesperia, Montague and Pentwater, these grants are not just filling gaps - they are expanding opportunities and inspiring creativity for hundreds of young people.
For teachers and students, the difference is immediate and deeply felt. “I'm so thankful for this support and excited to see my students grow as musicians next year!” said Nicole Herremans, K-4 music teacher at Spitler Elementary. “I can't wait to see their faces as they use the new instruments and experience the new curriculum.”
Also at Spitler Elementary, Principal Jenna Oleneack highlighted the long-term effect: “We’re so grateful and fortunate for your support. I can’t wait to see the progress and love for music continue to grow.”
Across the county, similar enthusiasm is echoing through music rooms. “This is so exciting. I can't stop smiling! I am so happy for the choir and band students who will benefit from the district's new piano,” shared Nancy Blount of Hesperia Community Schools.
At Shelby Public Schools, band director Erin Ray emphasized how these investments directly elevate student experiences: “We are grateful for these opportunities to improve the quality of our marching band program. Over the last three years we've been able to upgrade our drum line instruments, making our annual performance at the Festival even more exciting."
Electric Forest’s commitment to give back to the local area hosting their annual Festival goes beyond music to also include art, nature and inclusivity for people of all abilities. In the OCF’s Spring 2026 Community Grant Round, Electric Forest helped support a range of projects that address local needs. Funding is helping Blue Lake Public Radio continue operating after the loss of long-standing federal support — preserving both cultural programming and essential emergency alert services for the region. Additional support is improving accessibility through the Disability Network's new program to identify and address barriers for residents with disabilities and seniors while building local capacity for long-term improvements. Investments in Oceana County Parks and Recreation are also helping establish an in-house maintenance program, ensuring parks remain safe, welcoming and well cared for. Electric Forest also committed to supporting art murals at the OCF’s new office in Hart — further contributing to the area’s creative identity and sense of place.
For details about making a gift, now or through an estate plan, creating a named fund, or learning more about Oceana Community Foundation’s programs and activities, call Tammy Carey at 231-869-3377 or visit the Foundation’s new website at www.oceanafoundation.org.
