Symphony Seeks Instruments for Students

AVALON – If you have a musical instrument that’s not being used, the Bay Atlantic Symphony wants it. They are collecting instruments from May 10 – June 1 as part of their outreach program to help students-in-need learn music at area schools.
“About three years ago, we started a program donating instruments to students in Atlantic City’s Sovereign Avenue School,” said Paul Herron, Symphony executive director. “These were students who were interested in learning how to play, but could not afford an instrument.
“We have found that as school budgets get tighter and tighter, oftentimes a music program is cut or not funded like it should,” he added. “Last year, we expanded to Atlantic City’s high school and we’ve received positive feedback about our efforts. Now, we’d like to expand it to other schools as well.”
According to Robert Watters, Symphony president, they are looking for instruments that may be “in a closet, not being used. We’ll take trumpets, violins, violas, cellos, brass or woodwind instruments. Our musicians tune up the instruments to make sure they sound right before we give them to the school for student use.”
He added that they are not interested in organs or pianos because of their size, nor are they interested in electric guitars. “We need instruments that would be used in an orchestra.”
Instruments can be dropped off at the Avalon Community Hall, or by calling the Symphony office at 856-451-1169 to arrange pick up.
The instrument collection is one of the more recent efforts by the Symphony to educate, engage and mentor students. Last year, it began a music mentoring program in the Atlantic City School District and an educational partnership with Stockton University, which enables students to earn college credit for participating in the symphony’s programming. It also provided free symphonic concerts for more than 2,000 students.
“We believe great music is for everyone,” Herron said. “Working with principals and music teachers, we are able to expand our programs with students, exposing them to different types of music.”
Watters recalled a concert in the Sea Isle City school where music from Looney Tunes cartoons was played. “After we perform, we let the kids ask questions,” he noted. “They will ask questions about all sorts of topics, from the instruments to the lyrics and tunes. It’s great to see their enthusiasm and interest, and we’re glad to help provide them with the opportunity to play.”
When the Symphony is not performing for students, it provides classical, pops and artistic programming around the area, particularly during the summer. This summer’s “Broadway on the Boards” concert takes place July 4 at 7 p.m. at Avalon Community Hall. Commander Corry Juedeman Prestidge will be the guest maestra, directing Sousa marches and Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture.”
Other concerts this summer are scheduled July 18 and Aug. 15 at the Avalon Free Public Library, and July 19, Aug. 2 and Aug. 30 at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa Music Box Theater, Atlantic City. More information can be found at: http://bayatlanticsymphony.org.
To contact Karen Knight, email kknight@cmcherald.com.