Banding Together, Playing It Forward

Would you consider examining your attics, closets, empty-nest bedrooms, or instrument inventories to see if you have brass instruments* or percussion/rhythm instruments* which could extend their useful lives in the hands of grateful players. Even if it’s only one. It’s one. And if I got 40 of you to donate just one, I’ve got a turnkey band program.  If you don’t have a horn—don’t worry. Consider giving funds to assist someone else who does! (paying it forward)

There are no current formal band programs here in the city of Knysna, South Africa. There are at least 6 schools whose populations total well over 2000. There are no brass specialists, and area players are few and informal at best, with a handful of church ensembles the exception. 

We have entire communities of children who will never be able to afford a musical instrument for themselves unless someone steps in. We have areas that rival the worst inner-city conditions in the US. I want to rescue some of those children through music.  Playing It Forward would own and loan out instruments to students in a compassionate and culturally appropriate way.

This could be an amazing project for your kids, your church, your civic club, even music service organizations.

Playing It Forward

I am asking that Instruments be donated here locally, or abroad with tax benefit to The Garden Route Arts, Communication, and Education, a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization in the U.S.. I have storage that has been made available in Florida, USA to receive overseas donated items for shipment. I will find donors for the approx. $7000 such a shipping container costs. Funds donated to GRACE can be earmarked to assist as a donation. 

I also accept surplus beginner band books, beginning brass arrangements, march books, or even your old marching uniform inventory (have you been able to upgrade recently and didn’t know what to do with all the old gear? HERE YA GO.)

What does your school get in return?

• Knowledge your gift made a life-changing difference in a place of musical need
  Great testimony/reputation for your band program to your school, administrator or board
• Lasting partnerships formed between both sets of students and faculty
• Friendships/interactions using technology
• PR opportunities with local news/media to promote your organization’s global impact
• Pictures or videos showing your gifts in action
• 
   I believe that this is way bigger than I can dream and would be something that would outlive me here. That is a passion-- to start with what I can do to attempt something I can’t do. To give these instruments song again. To love and reach people of all ages by giving away freely what they would not otherwise have-- the gift of music. Would you pray and think about your role in this? I need you.
  
  Playing It Forward
  
  *I’m starting with brass instruments and percussion because of my training, because they are generally sturdier and are less sophisticated in design and will do well in a seaside climate. I’ll add woodwind instruments in time.