Let's Keep Music Alive!

This post was submitted by:  Evan Liu, Ear Candy Spring Intern & Trumpet player for ASU's Concert Band

I've been playing music in bands for eleven years so I know the importance and the positive affect that music can have on someone. I was fortunate enough to participate in music programs when I was in elementary and Jr. High which propelled me to continue on in high school and college because I know that music has slowly been dying down in many school districts. Music taught me a lot from building up my confidence to learning how to take care of my instrument. However, I dented my first trumpet pretty badly which I guess is the learning process because now I treat all of my instruments like they were my child. I honestly can’t even imagine what my life would be like without my instruments. Music has had a positive impact on my life and I believe that youth deserve to experience what I experienced when I was a child. Fortunately, many people have been kind enough to donate instruments so that music can keep going in schools around Arizona. 

It’s great to read donor stories as well because these people that are donating really care about keeping music alive in schools. Here’s a story from an individual who donated a Trumpet to Mrs. Zozaya's school band program at Garcia Elementary:

“I bought this trumpet years ago because it is my favorite instrument played in jazz music. I always wanted to learn myself, but I got too busy in life to learn...[Read More]. Plus, I always thought it was best to learn as young as possible. I did not even try until I was an adult, by then I already had other instruments to play and other things to keep me plenty busy, so I hope someone will learn to play this instrument for me. It would be an extra bonus if it was someone who ended up developing an interest in jazz music as I did.”

This is just one of the many stories that we get at Ear Candy and we would love to read more! To donate an instrument, visit: 

http://www.earcandycharity.org/page/Instrument-Donor-Process-Overview.aspx

2012 - Celebrating Music Education

It's been a great year thanks to your support!

We wanted celebrate 2012 by sharing some stories from our donors and teachers that kept us inspired all year long.

"This instrument is old but in very good condition.  My mom got is for me, on a single income, so I could learn music and have a great school experience.  I understand how important music is...and how it can be a struggle for parents to provide instruments for their kids.  I played it all through Jr. High and High school band, marching band and pep band.  1979-1984 --Belgrade, Montana.  In that rural school at the time...we all played in band, choir, sports, drama...everything.  I'm so glad I had that opportunity and wish the same for someone else.  Music in all its forms is awesome."

Kris Ludwig, Saxophone

"My Grandfather gave the trumpet to me in 1965 when I was 8. After many hours of practice, annoying sounds, and patience by the rest of the household, we made it to first chair. After all of these years of sitting idle I hope that someone can take this trumpet back to the first chair where it belongs." 

Roger Kain, Trumpet 

"The Sunnyslope Orchestra is a growing group of young string musicians who are dedicated to playing great music. They are students who range in experience from complete beginners, to advanced students who have played for years and taken private lessons. In spite of this wide range of talent, the students come together, learn together, and create an atmosphere of cooperation. Students begin the year acting as peer tutors, welcoming in new beginning members and teaching them 'the ropes'.  Since SY '08-'09 the group has grown to 31 members. That growth is the best and worst problem for a director because we have to find instruments in a time when capital budgets (the funding used for instrument purchases) is frozen and has been for 4 years. Even when we have instruments, they are hard to keep in good repair due to the cost of strings."

Mr.LaRusch, Sunnyslope High School

You can still help provide youth music education.

Support Ear Candy Charity and donate now.

Our Story is Your Story

Stories come to life with Online Instrument Drives

We've had thousands of instruments donated to Ear Candy and placed in school music programs over the last few years. We love bringing joy to students who are eager to make music, but what one of the coolest things is letting  them know that they're part of something really special.  Every instrument has a story and when an instrument moves through our Online Instrument Drive system, we give instrument donors the opportunity to share their experience with music and tell us exactly what their instrument meant to them. Not only are they passing on their instrument, but the history that comes with it.

Andrea, our dedicated Programs Coordinator, came across one particular donor story that she wanted to share with the rest of the Ear Candy team. It is from a lovely individual who donated their Alto Saxophone to Mrs. Ramsey's school band program at ASU Prep Academy:

"My parents purchased this saxophone for me to play in 6th grade in Pendleton Oregon, a small NE town in Oregon where the Pendleton Woolen Mills started.  I played this sax through junior high school and high school.  It has been in a lot of parades and concerts, so it is use to people looking at it.  It has been in storage since the 60s. I decided to give it to a great young musician who will make beautiful music with it ... but to do that the young musician must practice a lot so the sax feels like a part of their body.  Don’t worry about it squeaking or not making a great sound at first … you will get the hang of it after a while and then you can astonish your parents and band members."

We've got so many great stories like this one and we're excited to see all of them come to life as instruments are donated and ready to be placed into the hands of a student. You can browse other requests and read more stories on the Ear Candy Instrument Request page. Then keep the beat going and be part of the conversation, let us know how music has impacted your life.