Detroit Nonprofit Kicks Off Campaign to Gather 2,000 Musical Instruments for Students

A city-wide push to collect musical instruments kicked off today in Detroit. The goal? Two thousand instruments for students who lack access to music programs. Detroit Harmony welcomes donors at their Cass Avenue location until 6 p.m.

"It was created to make sure that every student in Detroit had access to music education and instruments," said Damien Crutcher, Director of Detroit Harmony, according to Click on Detroit.

They accept many instruments, from brass to strings to percussion. Students might receive flutes, clarinets, or guitars. Others could find themselves with trumpets, trombones, or xylophones. Even violins, harps, and accordions make the list. Pianos, however, aren't part of the program.

Students don't just get an instrument. Each young musician pairs with a skilled teacher for private instruction. "For us, we want to fill in the gaps, wherever we can. If a kid needs an instrument, if they need private lessons, if they need to be in a program, we actually place them in a program," Crutcher said, as per Click On Detroit.

For two decades, this group has worked alongside the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and other local music organizations. Their main collection drive happens each October, bringing tunes to kids who might otherwise stay silent.

Crutcher urged residents to check their storage spaces. "We'll take them. Every instrument is an opportunity. It doesn't matter if they haven't been played in a while. If they are in bad shape, we have some repair partners that will help get them in shape, and we'll get those out to kids," he stated to Click On Detroit.

The collection site at 3632 Cass Avenue stays open until 6 p.m. WDIV, a local TV station, supports the donation drive throughout the day.