I got this in the e-mail newsletter from Construction Junction. Seeing as how I don't play anything, I don't have anything to donate. But, I'm willing to offer up my truck to haul something if you do have something to donate. I think this would be a good cause if any of you guys have extra musical instruments laying around you don't use:
Pittsburgh has a rich and storied musical heritage, and an ongoing vibrant musical culture. With our world-class Pittsburgh Symphony, our home-grown talent (think The Clarks and Rusted Root), and numerous local opportunities to learn, enjoy or play music, Pittsburghers recognize the inherent value that music brings to our community.
On Saturday March 7th Construction Junction will host a unique one day event to pass along our communal appreciation of music to the next generation of young musicians. On that day the Play it Forward musical instrument donation and re-use project will hold its initial collection in our facility.
Play it Forward is a pilot project to determine the best means of matching up gently-used instruments with budding young musicians who may not otherwise have the opportunity to own an instrument. From noon to 4pm, anyone can drop off a used musical instrument. All portable working-order instruments will be accepted (keyboards are welcome, but not full-size pianos). Doners are encouraged to provide a case or container for their instrument if possible. All donations are tax deductible and CJ will provide donation receipts.
All instruments collected will be distributed to Pittsburgh based organizations that teach children to play and appreciate music. Initially, those organizations will include the Afro-American Music Institute in Homewood and Hope Academy of Music and the Arts in East Liberty. Both groups provide music programs of excellence for individuals of varied social and economic backgrounds.
Play it Forward grew out of an idea that its founder, 13 year old Coleman Dougherty, hit upon when reflecting on his community service project in preparation for his Bar Mitzvah. “Wouldn’t it be cool to get people to donate the musical instruments that they’re not using to kids who would like to learn how to play music?” After exploring this idea with several members of the local musical community, Coleman discovered that there is indeed a need for donated instruments, but that no such program was currently operating to fulfill that need in the Pittsburgh region.
“This is a great cause and we are eager to help collect musical instruments in addition to doors and windows we normally handle. If Play It Forward’s initial event is successful, we will be talking with Coleman about how we can provide more regular opportunities for people to donate their instruments.” – Mike Gable, CJ Executive Director
Join Play it Forward at Construction Junction on Saturday, March 7th between noon and 4:00 pm as we collect instruments for local young musicians. The event will include entertainment beginning at 12:30pm.
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