For most, summer is time to relax and have a little fun in the sun! For the Santa Barbara Education Foundation, it’s the time of year to focus on stocking up classrooms for our local school music programs for the upcoming school year.
The Instrument Drive takes in instrument donations from the community and puts them directly into the hands of music students in our local public schools. All types of instruments are accepted, from ukuleles to flutes, but the greatest need is for violins, saxophones, clarinets, and trumpets. According to SBUSD music teacher Karen Dutton, “Most kids come in to the program without their own instrument, so receiving these gifts of instruments is truly a blessing!”
Dos Pueblos High School’s Music Director, Dan Garske sees first-hand how donated instruments make the difference for students. “We were able to get three euphoniums for our low brass section. The horns are great, play easily, and look really special. The kids were competing for who got to play them!” The donated instruments not only contribute to the student’s learning experience but helps to strengthen the school’s music program as a whole. Garske added,” The impact on the sound of the section is huge, they sound so good!”
Donated instruments have often gone unused for years and may need tuning or minor repairs. SBEF works closely with Nick Rail Music to get the instruments inspected, repaired, and ready for an aspiring student musician to play.
Do you have an instrument gathering dust? Let a student give it a new life! Donations can be dropped off at the Santa Barbara Education Foundation office (1330 State Street, Suite 201), Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm. Donations are accepted throughout the year but are preferred before the beginning of the school year on August 22nd. Contact us at (805) 284-9125 or [email protected] to donate your unused music maker today!