Donate used instruments to youths

SARAH JACKSON, THE OLYMPIAN

Originally published Saturday, February 16, 2002

OLYMPIA -- Though the pursuit of the musical arts shouldn't be determined by income, sometimes it is.

Brand new instruments -- from violins to trumpets -- can often cost upwards of $600.

But Olympia's Cultural Assistance Program for Students (CAPS) has been working to change that, to cut down on that disparity.

Next weekend, CAPS kicks off its annual Musical Instrument Drive directed at anyone with old or new instruments they no longer need.

"We have over 100 instruments in the school districts now," said Sandy Parry with CAPS. "People are going through their attics and through their basements."

Parry serves as co-chairperson of CAPS committee under the umbrella organization Patrons of South Sound Cultural Arts -- based in Olympia -- which sponsors the event.

CAPS works with North Thurston, Olympia, Tumwater and -- new this year -- Griffin school districts to connect kids with instruments.

That way, kids who otherwise wouldn't be able to buy or pay a rental fee can use a CAPS instrument instead.

Donors can bring their used instruments to Yenney Music in Olympia or Music 6000 in Olympia from Feb. 24 to March 11.

Donors receive a quote slip from a professional appraiser, paving the way for an income tax deduction.

Yenney Music and Music 6000 then donate labor to fix the instruments, if needed. POSSCA pays for parts.

Joseph DiSanto, who is co-chairperson with Parry, said the program already has helped many students, who return the instruments when they leave school.

"Basically our whole premise is we believe that all young people -- regardless of their financial status -- deserve an opportunity to enrich their lives through artistic expression," DiSanto said. "It's just a great, great program."

DiSanto said CAPS needs every kind of instruments, but particularly violins, cellos, violas, saxophones and trumpets.

"We will accept any instrument," Parry said. "I think last time we got a couple guitars."

School district instrument coordinators work together to determine their inventory as well as the needs among students.

"They are very good as far as sharing instruments within the school districts," Parry said. "They are our lifeline."

Before the drive began in recent years, CAPS members used to connect with students on their own, sometimes meeting in out-of-the-way locales.

"Now we aren't going out to meet the children at some obscure place," Parry said. "The districts actually have the instruments at their fingertips."

olyjax@yahoo.com.

Donate

- What: Musical Instrument Drive sponsored by the Cultural Assistance Program for Students, part of Patrons of South Sound Cultural Activities.

- When: Feb. 24-March 11.

- Where: Yenney Music, 1404 Harrison Ave. N.W., Olympia, or Music 6000 at 2921 Pacific Ave. S.E., Olympia.

- Information: Call 360-754-6050 or write POSSCA, P.O. Box 7615, Olympia, WA 98507.

The Olympian Copyright 2002

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