Urgent appeal for used musical instruments

Shoreline Schools Music4Life™ is issuing an urgent public appeal for the donation of clarinets and other “lovingly used” musical instruments by adults who no longer need them.

“School is just starting and many more young people than expected are telling us they would like to participate in the school district’s instrumental music programs,” says Ken Noreen, President of Shoreline Schools Music4Life. “Our greatest need is for clarinets, but others are, as well, and all musical instruments are welcome.”

Shoreline Schools Music4Life is the local organization that acquires used musical instruments, gets them repaired if needed, and provides them free of charge to Shoreline Public Schools for use by students of low income families. The program was created two years ago by the school board and is sponsored in part by Shoreline Breakfast Rotary and the Rotary Club of Shoreline. 

“You don’t have to be a Rotarian to support Music4Life,” says David Endicott, the organization’s CEO. “All that’s necessary is that you understand the unique value that instrumental music plays in the life and education of a child.”

Research now shows that young people who participate in instrumental music programs tend to do better in math, science, history, literature, languages (both English and foreign), even in computer science and other desirable academic disciplines, Endicott says. “And that’s in addition to what it teaches them in terms of discipline and teamwork.”

Besides the Shoreline Schools program, Music4Life also operates programs supporting Edmonds, Everett, Highline, Mukilteo and Seattle Public Schools. The initiative acquires used instruments from the garages or attics of adults who understand that their highest and best use is to put them back into play. With adequate resources, Music4Life can also buy new musical instruments for school districts. Endicott emphasizes that resources developed in any community are used exclusively for the benefit of the students in that community, according to donor wishes.

Currently, at least 30 percent of all fifth and sixth grade students in Shoreline Public Schools who want to participate in instrumental music programs are from families that are income-eligible.

Endicott says it is important to fill out a Donor Form that is available on the Music4Life Website and put it in the case with the donated instrument. “The completed Donor Form allows us to track the instrument through any repairs that may be needed,” he says.

Shoreline Music4Life is supported in-part by grants from 4Culture, First Choice Health, Garvey Schubert Barer, local Rotary clubs and other local community leaders.