Pin It
music2A record number of musical instruments were put into the hands of children in the Ithaca City School District (ICSD) this past year through the 'Play it Again, Ithaca' instrument-recycling program. "It was an amazing response," said Coordinator Suzanne Snedeker. "We reached out to the community, and the number of our donations tripled in 2018-19."

A program of the Fine Arts Booster Group (FABG), this instrument-recycling program urged community members to dust off and donate their unused instruments so that they could literally be played again. "By mid-summer, we had given 49 professionally repaired instruments, 12 accessories, and a number of new bows and cases to the ICSD for use in the district's music education and performance programs," said Snedeker.

The biggest barrier to participate in elementary school music programs or in band or orchestra is often access to an instrument. Many families cannot afford to buy an instrument, and this program helps students who want to participate in music performance programs. Donors are also happy that their instrument is being used again. More instruments are needed to respond to an increased need among our school children.

The ICSD arts program allows students to take free instrumental lessons during school hours and participate in the schools' musical groups. FABG's 'Play it Again, Ithaca' program enhances the district's existing resources and enables the community to be 'green' with this reuse of donated musical instruments.
 An affiliate of the not-for-profit Ithaca Public Education Initiative (IPEI), the FABG works in partnership with ICSD to support and celebrate all the arts for all the kids.

v15i38
Pin It