Animals at the McKean County SPCA often hear recorded music played by staff, but it was a rare occasion Wednesday when a few dogs were treated to live music played by Jim Copeland and Dr. Tyler Calkins.
The musicians, who play professionally as the Second Act band, provided guitar and harmonica music for the animals at the request of Chris Taylor, executive director of the SPCA.
“The second (Copeland) mentioned it, I said ‘Let’s give it a try,’” Calkins remarked.
Copeland is well-known in the community for playing with bands at a variety of benefits and charitable activities that include Evergreen Elm parties for individuals with special needs.
“The part of music that I embrace so much is to be able to help somebody else,” Copeland explained. “I can’t write checks (like wealthy individuals to help others), but if Tyler and I can come in and spend an hour performing” it’s worth it.
“You can’t put a price on doing a benefit,” Copeland added.
For her part, Taylor said she came up with the idea for a music session to help the animals after viewing a similar program on the internet.
“I saw where somebody was walking through the kennels and playing and I thought ‘we can do that,’” she commented. “And I know the perfect people to ask.”
She said Copeland and Calkins played in the outer sitting room of the shelter for a few animals at a time as work was being done on the kennel floors this week.
“We’re just trying to come up with some ideas and fun things to help the animals … it’s not all work down here,” Taylor continued. “We also want to get people thinking about coming down” to the shelter.
Taylor said the shelter is “keeping steady” with its numbers of dogs and cats, but welcomes more adoptions.
“We’re gearing up for kitten season because we know this is the time of year that people find strays with kittens,” she added. “So we have to make room for them.”
Calkins and Copeland said they would be willing to return to the shelter, if requested.
Calkins, a Bradford native and music educator, said he used to play guitar for his dog and cat at home in the past.
“My cat doesn’t like music, but my dog, that passed on, did like music,” Calkins recalled. “I think they can tell that the people making the music are happy and that sends off good vibes.”
Mary Jo Corignani, shelter manager, said she plans to put a music video of Wednesday’s performance on the SPCA Facebook for all to enjoy. The Second Act band can also be found on Facebook for more information on their performances.
