“Children who study a musical instrument are more likely to excel in all of their studies, work better in teams, have enhanced critical thinking skills, stay in school, and pursue further education,” is a quote from the Arte Music Academy among 11 others used by Dosomething.com to highlight the benefits of music education in schools.
For the second time, the St. Vrain Valley Fine Arts department is hosting a musical instrument collection drive. The drive is set for two dates Sept. 29 from 8 a.m. to noon and Oct. 1 from 1-4 p.m. Instruments can be dropped off at the Lincoln School building located at 619 Bowen St. in Longmont.
“Our first musical instrument drive had a positive impact on our music programming,” said Janay Bird, St. Vrain’s Fine Arts Coordinator. “We received 50 musical instrument donations, which were distributed among 30 of our schools.”
Instruments from the program are used in classrooms across the district. Each school receives instruments through a raffle system, which is held on a teacher professional development day, according to a SVVSD news release.
"I received not one, but two full-size keyboards in this year's raffle,” said Mountain View Elementary music teacher Karlen Carter. “I am so grateful and excited to be able to use these with my students as part of our keyboard unit.”
The instruments are tuned and cleaned by St. Vrain’s Music Leadership team.
Some of the instruments are available for students to try before making a purchase and for long-term rent for those not ready to buy.
The district encourages unique donations to diversify and enhance the district’s music program, according to the news release. SVVSD does not need upright pianos, however, grand pianos and keyboards will be accepted on an individual basis.
“The instruments donated to our band have increased access to our music programming,” said Chad Lemons who serves as director of bands at Mead High School. “We are incredibly honored to be in such a generous community that supports music education and the students in our schools.”
All donations as eligible to receive a receipt from the St. Vrain Valley Education. Please contact St. Vrain’s Fine Arts Coordinator, Janay Bird, for details at [email protected] or 303-702-7916 for more information on instrument donations.
