Throughout May 2011, MPR Will Present a Benefit for Minnesota Schools, "Play It Forward: Classical MPR's Musical Instrument Drive"

Feb 14, 2011

(St. Paul, Minn.)--February 14, 2011--Classical Minnesota Public Radio, in partnership with the Minnesota Music Educators Association (MMEA), presents its second-annual benefit for Minnesota schools, "Play It Forward: Classical MPR's Musical Instrument Drive."™ The program will run May 2-31, 2011.

The drive establishes local Minnesota schools as drop-off points for individuals to donate their gently used instruments.

"Last year's response was so amazing--more than 600 donations to over 300 schools--that doing it again was a 'no-brainer,'" says Daniel Gilliam, program director for Classical MPR. "For us, putting instruments into the hands of young people, who need and want to play music, is a higher calling."

This year's drive will be held during the month of May. Donors will again be able to give their instruments directly to the school of their choice. They can visit classicalmpr.org/playitforward 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.

The MMEA will be returning this year as project partner, with the goal of reaching even more schools and getting instruments to even more students.

"Music teachers and students were so excited to receive the donated instruments last year," says Mary Schaefle, executive director, MMEA. "It feels great to see Minnesotans passing on their love of music through their instruments."

Schools are accepting brass, woodwinds, string instruments, concert percussion (snare drums), and acoustic guitars--although each school will determine which instruments it needs.

Electronic instruments, accordions, keyboards/pianos/organs, and drum sets can be accepted by "Play it Forward" partner Vega Productions (more information can be found at classicalmpr.org/playitforward).

If the instrument is in need of repair, the school can assess whether or not the instrument can be repaired. MMEA will be providing information on how schools can set up their own repair funds for the repair of damaged instruments.

Donated instruments will belong to the school. School-owned instruments are loaned free of charge to students 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.