Author: WQXR Radio

Publication Year:

Media Type: Report

Summary:

This guide is drawn from lessons learned during two musical instrument drives sponsored by New York’s classical music radio station, WQXR. Students in under-resourced music programs across the New York City area benefited from the roughly 6,000 musical instruments donated through the drive.

Abstract:

This guide is drawn from lessons learned during two musical instrument drives sponsored by New York’s classical music radio station, WQXR. Students in under-resourced music programs across the New York City area benefited from the roughly 6,000 musical instruments donated through the drive. These unplayed instruments—dug out of basements and attics by motivated and generous citizens—found new lives in the hands of schoolchildren around the region and are now supporting music education for more than 15,000 public school students annually, plus additional students in community music programs. Partnering with leading classical music artists and organizations, the New York City and Newark school districts, philanthropic organizations, media outlets, and the instrument retailer Sam Ash Music Stores, WQXR not only organized and led the complex process from donations to distributions but also learned a lot along the way.

The ultimate success and impact of the instrument drive program relied on staff and volunteers, detailed planning and an array of logistics, generous grant funding, and thoughtful attention to marketing and PR. The instrument drive at WQXR also benefited from the wisdom and experience of Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation, which has a long history of collecting and donating musical instruments. Using knowledge gained by both the achievements and stumbling blocks WQXR experienced, this guide was created to help you approach a similar drive in your own community. [Background p. 1]

Arts & Intersections:

Categories: Volunteerism, Fundraising, Creative Youth Development, Arts Education