To the Editor:

Union College is partnering with Vanguard Inc., the volunteer wing of the Albany Symphony Orchestra, in a used musical instrument drive benefiting local, music-loving students in need.

The event takes place at Union’s Taylor Music Center lobby at 807 Union Street in Schenectady on Thursday, Oct. 24, from 11 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The instruments will be donated to 16 school districts in or very near the Capital District that lack a sufficient number for hundreds of children whose families cannot afford the expensive purchase or rental fees.

Your tax-deductible instrument donations enable these aspiring young musicians to study music in depth and play in their school orchestras or bands.

To date, 904 instruments have been collected and distributed. Unfortunately, we cannot accept pianos, banjos, guitars, harps, ukuleles, recorders, or electric keyboards.

Studies indicate that grades and attendance often rise and that students gain self-discipline, confidence, crucial life skills, warm friendships, and, best of all, great joy playing music they love with their peers.

The teachers who come to my home to select the instruments they need, sometimes several times a year, confirm the results of these studies.

I’ve been an active volunteer all my life, as well as a music lover myself. It’s not surprising that I find this project the most rewarding work I’ve ever done.

Throughout the ages, playing and listening to glorious music brings happiness to millions of people all over the world.

Won’t you please bring a long dormant instrument back to life by putting it in the hands of a child in need who yearns to play it!

Please contact me at 518-439-1843 or if you wish to donate an instrument. You will make a big difference in the life of a student.

Jill Rifkin

Head

Instruments For Students

Vanguard Inc.