LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — A statewide initiative aimed at expanding access to music education is asking community members to donate gently used instruments to help students participate in school music programs.
“Music Matters Ohio” is focused on placing instruments into the hands of students who may not otherwise have the opportunity to participate in band or other music programs. Organizers say increasing financial pressures on school arts programs have made it more difficult for some families and districts to provide students with instruments.
The organization is partnering with Shawnee Local Schools for an upcoming instrument collection drive, encouraging residents to search their homes for unused musical instruments that could benefit young musicians.
“One of the things that we see across the state is not every child has equal access to a musical instrument,” said Jaz Wallace Bluhm, director of bands for Shawnee Local Schools. “To help get more kids involved and have an opportunity to participate in that transformative experience that is musical education, to be able to put a musical instrument in their hands, so that they can get involved, is what this is all about.”
The instrument drive is scheduled for Saturday, May 30, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the east side of Shawnee High School off Beeler Road near the gymnasium.
Organizers say instruments of any kind will be accepted as long as they are in playable condition or can be easily repaired. Donations made during the drive are tax deductible.
