Northfield Fine Arts Boosters Introduce Instrument Donation Program

' band concerts will ring a little sweeter thanks to a new instrument donation program called Instruments for All, which was recently launched by the Northfield Fine Arts Boosters.

“It would give more students the opportunity to play,” said Roger Jenni, band director at and .

Jenni has long advocated for instrument donations and the possibilities they represent for children whose families have financial difficulties and may not be able to afford an instrument. In the past, the district has accepted and encouraged instrument donations, but this is the first time they will do so in the context of a specific program.

Instruments for All has been a topic of conversation among Northfield music teachers for several years, but this is the first year the idea has been put into action. Programs like Instruments for All are not uncommon—Rosemount and Apple Valley have a similar initiative called Band for All.

Residents interested in contributing an instrument to the program can drop off band instruments at the Bridgewater Elementary office. Orchestra instruments can be dropped at the office. The program also accepts cash donations for instrument repair and maintenance.

On Saturday, Feb. 11, the Northfield Fine Arts Boosters will host an instrument drive at to promote the program. All donations will be matched by a $5,000 matching grant from the Northfield Area Foundation.

“We just want to take it to a grander scale,” said Wendy Smith, a board member of the Northfield Fine Arts Boosters. “It is really a tool for academic success.”

Smith said music is important for both cognitive and social development. She also pointed out that music programs unite students and their families with the broader community and Smith hopes the Instruments for All program will strengthen that unity.

DONATE INSTRUMENTS

You can drop off band instruments at Bridgewater Elementary. Orchestra instruments can be brought to Northfield Middle School.