The photos above are photos of happy students working on instruments donated by our generous donors. The students’ faces are not shown due to their privacy.
Below is a letter that we recently received. We receive many thoughtful messages but this one really captures why we collect used musical instruments, sanitize, and repair them for others who otherwise do not have access to music.
“West St School is an elementary school located in Central Massachusetts. The student population is 74% minority, and 84% low income. The music teacher for this school had been working hard to start a band program. This year, she began recruiting students to the program. One little boy came up to her and asked to be in the band. He wanted to play the saxophone. Unfortunately, there was none to be had to loan to him. The teacher reached out to the family and talked about their child's desire to join the band, and the need for an instrument. Unfortunately, the family explained that they could not afford the cost of a saxophone or the cost of a rental, so the boy was unable to join the band. On October 19, Instrumental Angels made a donation to the Southbridge Schools. Among the instruments donated and picked up was a single saxophone. The instruments were delivered to the school and the teacher went about cataloguing them, getting reeds and even new cases for a couple. The following Friday the boy who wanted to play saxophone was called to the music room, along with some other children who had expressed interest in the new band program, but could not afford an instrument. The Principal was watching as the teacher opened the saxophone case and walked it over to the little boy, gently handing it to him. Looking at the Principal and the Music Teacher, eyes wide, he asked "is this for me?" The Music Teacher explained that a special group, called Instrumental Angels, donated some instruments to their band program, and that saxophone was especially for him. The child held the instrument like it was precious, looked at the teacher with tears in his eyes, thanking her. He went up to the Principal and showed her his new instrument. The Principal relayed that she had never seen so much joy in his face, and wanted to relay her thanks, as well. He, along with 5 other students who could not afford instruments are now part of the band that meets weekly.
Thank you for making a child's dream come true, and supporting the children of Southbridge.”