Throughout April, MPR Presents a Benefit for Minnesota Schools, "Play It Forward--Classical MPR's Musical Instrument Drive"
Mar 29, 2010
Go to classicalmpr.org to find the nearest instrument drop-off location
Classical MPR will also sponsor live events dedicated to the instrument drive in greater Minnesota in April
(St. Paul, Minn.)--March 29, 2010--Classical Minnesota Public Radio, in partnership with the Minnesota Music Educators Association (MMEA), presents a benefit for Minnesota schools, "Play It Forward--Classical MPR's Musical Instrument Drive"
Throughout April, donors will be able to give their instruments directly to the school of their choice. They can visit classicalmpr.org, click on "Play it Forward," and enter their zip code to find out which schools are accepting instruments, and the donation drop-off times. Donations will be tax-deductible, and donors are responsible for assessing the value of their own instrument.
Minnesota Public Radio will encourage its more than 900,000 listeners to donate used band, orchestra and elementary instruments to a school in their community. Classical MPR has partnered with MMEA on the instrument drive to ensure that this project is as effective as possible at getting instruments into the hands of students. The MMEA, along with the Minnesota Association of School Administrators, has been a key resource in helping us identify the needs of K-12 music programs across the state and activating its members so they are ready to receive instruments from their community.
Each school makes its own decision about what kinds of instruments to accept, and the information can be found on the school's information at classicalmpr.org. In general, schools are accepting brass, woodwinds, string instruments, concert percussion (snare drums), acoustic guitars. Instruments not being accepted are electronic instruments, accordions, and keyboards/pianos. If the instrument is in need of minor repair, the school can assess whether or not the instrument can be repaired.
Donated instruments will belong to the school. School-owned instruments are loaned free of charge to students with financial need, typically those who qualify for free or reduced lunch programs, for use in band or orchestra. Often, students receiving instruments from their school cannot otherwise participate in their school's music program.
"Play It Forward--Classical MPR's Musical Instrument Drive" is made possible in part by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. Sponsorship support is provided by Saint Mary's University and the College of Saint Scholastica. Vega Productions has also given us key support to ensure all donated instruments get into the hands of needy Minnesota students.
"Play It Forward--Classical MPR's Musical Instrument Drive" Free live events schedule:
In conjunction with its musical instrument drive, Classical Minnesota Public Radio will also sponsor the following live events in greater Minnesota during the last week of April. All events are free and open to the public.
St. Paul: Friday, April 23, 7:30 p.m.
The Fitzgerald Theater, St. Paul
Admission is free but RSVP is recommended: go to fitzgeraldtheater.org
The U.S. Army Field Band and Soldier's Chorus will be joined by local high school students.
Winona: Monday, April 26, Noon
Cardinal Club, St. Mary's University, Winona
Admission is free
This live broadcast--heard on all Classical MPR stations--will feature Classical MPR's artists-in-residence The Parker Quartet, as well as interviews with local music teachers and musicians.
Duluth: Friday, April 30, 11 a.m.
Student Union, College of St. Scholastica, Duluth
Admsission is free
This live broadcast--heard on all Classical MPR stations--will feature the Montreal Guitar Trio, followed by interviews with local music teachers and musicians.