The Eastman School of Music’s student chapter of the National Association for Music Education and the Rochester Education Foundation have announced that they are partnering on NAfME’s current initiative to benefit music programs in the Rochester City School District.
The initiative includes an instrument drive through March 31, with several drop-off centers located throughout the city, and two fundraising concerts. Instrument donors will receive a tax receipt from the Rochester Education Foundation for their donation.
“The Rochester Education Foundation collects instruments through its ‘Spring for Music’ program for city school students, many of which are used by students in the Eastman Pathways program at the Eastman Community Music School,” said Emeric Viani, president of the Eastman student chapter of NAfME. “We’re looking forward to a successful collaboration and drive to help boost the music programs for elementary and secondary school students.”
“We are pleased to collaborate with the public-spirited students in the Eastman chapter of the National Association for Music Education on this musical instrument drive to benefit city students,” added Patricia Braus, Executive Director for the Rochester Education Foundation.
Donations for the instrument drive can include any orchestra or band instruments that are in playable condition, as well as spare cases, bows, and accessories. Several drop-off locations are located across the community.
In March, which is “Music in Our Schools Months,” Eastman School of Music students will present two concerts to help raise cash donations for the purchase of instrument supplies. Performers include soprano Sarah Toca; trombonist Matt Norman; and Sound Exchange, a new student-run orchestra that explores alternative ways of presenting classical music. The concerts will be held on Saturday, Mar. 3, at 3 p.m., with Toca and Norman at Reformation Lutheran Church, 111 North Chestnut St; and Saturday, Mar. 31, at 3 p.m., with Sound Exchange at Lutheran Church of the Incarnate Word. Admission is free; donations of $10 are suggested.
Donations of instruments and accessories can be dropped off at the following secure locations; please call locations for hours
Bernunzio’s Uptown Music
122 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14604
585-473-6140
Reformation Lutheran Church
111 North Chestnut Street, Rochester, NY 14604
585-454-3367
Lutheran Church of the Incarnate Word
597 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607
585-244-6065
St. Mary’s Church
15 St. Mary’s Place, Rochester, NY 14607
585-232-7140
United Methodist Church in Webster
169 East Main Street, Webster, NY 14580
585-265-9720
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