Advocate, The (Stamford-Norwalk, CT){PUBLICATION2}
March 16, 2008
Section: Features
Page: c1
Instruments of change
Music shop seeks donations so area kids can learn to play
By Ray Hogan
Staff Writer
"I always loved music; who so has skill in this art is of good temperament, fitted for all things. We must teach music in schools; a schoolmaster ought to have skill in music, or I would not regard him," said the reformer Martin Luther. Sadly some 500 years after Luther's observations, musical instruments are still not available to all who wish to play them.
But with the creation of the Connecticut chapter of Charity Music a few weeks ago, more instruments will be available to any local child and adult with a desire to learn to play.
Charity Music, a nonprofit organization that originated in Michigan in 1996 and has gone national over the last few years, loans donated instruments to anyone who wants to become - or further their study as - a musician. For a security fee of $35, Charity Music will loan guitars, keyboards, horns and drums to those who contact the organization, and allow participants to renew the loan annually for as long as it's needed. In addition, Charity Music will provide free maintenance and upkeep of the instruments.
Once the local chapter of Charity Music is up and running, it plans to also serve as a networking center in the infrastructure of the statewide music scene.
But first the local chapter needs to collect instruments to loan out. James Daniel Entertainment on Bedford Street in Stamford is the designated drop-off point for the state. James Romaniello, president and founder of James Daniel, will make an initial donation of some of the shop's own instruments but many more are needed to ensure the program's success.
"We're proud to help the community and the kids, especially at a time like this," says Budd Tunick, music school director at James Daniel. He believes now, with spring cleaning underway, is an opportune time for people to come across stored-away instruments in attics, closets and garages. Charity Music accepts instruments of all ages, makes and models. Instruments need not be in playable condition.
Likewise, the organization loans its instruments regardless of students' age, musical taste and talent level. Still, organizers behind the local chapter are guessing most program participants will be schoolchildren. Budget cuts in school music and arts programs have been well-documented over the last decade.
"The gap between public schools and private schools is getting more and more evident," says Marina Neary, area coordinator for Charity Music.
Romaniello predicts that requests for instruments will sway toward those that students can't get through school programs. "Kids always seem to need wind instruments and saxophones," he says. "In public school programs, that's what they teach in the band. That's why you have a call for it." Musical interest among students is about the same as it's always been, Romaniello says, with an increased interest in electric guitars due to the "Guitar Hero" gaming phenomenon that's taken off in the past few years.
A 2003 Gallup Poll showed that 78 percent of Americans felt learning a musical instrument helps students perform better in other subjects. The same poll showed 88 percent believing that participation in music helps teach children discipline.
Neary was approached by Charity Music founder Roger Fachini, a former president of a Michigan symphony orchestra, via myspace.com. "Every once in a while, myspace works for networking," Neary says. "Charity Music is trying to establish a chapter in every state. Right now there about thirty."
Fachini asked Neary to help create the Connecticut chapter. In exchange for Neary's help, Music Charity offered its nonprofit status to her ongoing work with poetry students. She hopes to publish the first issue of "Young Voices in New England" soon. (Visit www.myspace.com/youngvoices_newengland).
"I do literary work with kids," says Neary, who is also working on a historical play on the life of Victor Hugo and has danced with the Irish-American rock band Black 47 in the past. "It's helping them build a portfolio if they want to attend college for English or for those who just want to build a writing portfolio."
In addition to providing students with instruments, Charity Music stages benefit concerts (Neary would like to establish these on a regular basis) and seeks ticket donations from other presenting arts organizations. It also provides instruments to members of the military and their families. Neary hopes to begin networking with local bands, music instructors and cultural institutions throughout the state. If the program succeeds, she envisions additional drop-off locations being established in the New Haven and Hartford areas.
"There's definitely a need for instruments right now," Romaniello says.
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For information on Charity Music or to donate an instrument, call 964-0093 or visit www.myspace.com/charitymusicct. James Daniel Entertainment is at125 Bedford St., Stamford.
Copyright (c) 2008, Southern Connecticut Newspapers, Inc.
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