by Josh Greenberg, Berlin Elementary School Band Director
Two years ago the Berlin Elementary School Band Program sent out a call for instrument donations, and many area residents responded, giving over 20 used band instruments to our young musicians.
Two years later we are once again asking for your help, through instrument donations, as the music program continues to grow with over 90% of all students in Grades four and five involved in Concert Band. Some students have begun lessons on recorders, an inexpensive plastic flute that helps beginners develop fundamental music skills. However, due to financial hardships, many students cannot begin lessons on traditional band instruments such as flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone or drums (even drum practice pads). If you have an instrument sitting unused under a bed, in a closet or attic, etc., we are asking that you consider donating it to the Berlin Central School District to help support our students and our growing music program.
Instruments given to the school will be evaluated and given a dollar amount. The donation will be tax deductible for the year in which it is given, and a letter will be provided by the District Clerk upon acceptance of donated item(s) by the Board of Education.
Through band, these young children discover great music, ranging from Mozart to Motown, from Bach to the Beatles. They experience culture first hand and develop skills in reading and rhythm which, in turn, reinforce literacy and mathematics. Please help us to give this opportunity to all students, regardless of economic status.
Please contact Josh Greenberg, Berlin Elementary School Band Director at 518-658-2127, ext. 212, or email jgreenberg@berlincentral.org.
