Instrument Drive: Changing How the Future Sounds....with Your Donation!
by Anne Henry
Soundscapes is a new after-school program that uses music-making to foster self-worth, discipline and leadership skills in students from economically disadvantaged homes and geographic areas. In October of 2009, Soundscapes began its first program with 55 first graders at Carver Elementary School within the Newport News Public School System. Anne Henry, one of the co-founders of the program, is a member of the Kiwanis Club of City Center, Newport News, which has adopted Soundscapes as one of its community service projects.
The students began their musical studies by learning songs and playing on orange contractor-grade buckets with wooden drumsticks. With that foundation of rhythm and harmony, Soundscapes students are now beginning instruction on more traditional instruments, such as recorder and violin. In December of 2009, Soundscapes received a generous gift of 100 string instruments from the largest band and orchestra retailer in the country, Music and Arts Centers -- a donation valued at nearly $60,000. While this donation helps Soundscapes grow into next year, the demand for instruments continues!
Soundscapes is asking the Kiwanis community to look in their attics, basements - or wherever else - for any unused instruments that you might be willing to donate to us, so that more students will have a chance to make music. We are accepting brass instruments, woodwind instruments, stringed instruments (orchestral and guitars), and percussion instruments that are in playable or near playable condition. Please help by contacting co-workers, family members, church members, or any other network and asking them to help keep the music going!
These tax-deductible donations may be delivered or mailed to the address below, or call Program Director Rey Ramirez at 757.273.6178 ext. 101:
Soundscapes
26 Towne Centre Way, #156
Hampton, VA 23666
Learn more about Soundscapes at our website: http://www.soundscapeshr.org
