LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) - If you have a musical instrument that's collecting dust in the garage or attic, the Little Rock School District wants it.
The orchestra's attendance crescendo this year, and now schools are falling flat with instruments. There is an old saying, "Music is what life sounds like," but what can that life sound like when there are no instruments to play? It's a problem throughout the Little Rock School District. Lenore McIntyre says this is her first year with the district.
"What I've noticed, especially for my beginning classes, is that the kids don't have enough instruments. Some of them can't afford to rent them or are confused as to are you going to give me an instrument," said McIntyre.
It's a problem that Danny Fletcher, the fine arts coordinator wishes wasn't an issue. "Because of budget cuts, we're losing the $38 million in deseg money. It's getting tighter and tighter."
With more and more students wanting to play an instrument, orchestra teacher Lenore McIntyre says the need for those instruments is greater now than it's ever been.
"When you have, let's say 20 kids in a class, and only 7 violins, 4 violas and then some kids sitting out, this is not a good class," said McIntyre.
McIntyre says they're asking for the community to help. "If they can donate instruments, even if they're not in perfect shape, we can find a way of fixing them."
It's a gift McIntyre says could help change a student's life.
"They feel good about themselves, they're using a certain part of their brain which makes them smarter."
Fletcher says it can make a difference in whether a student stays in band or not.
"A lot of students cannot afford instruments, so the students have to make a choice when they're transitioning from middle school to high school as to whether to stay in band," said Fletcher.
McIntyre says it's hard to see young people with the desire to play without the resources they need. "I can change their life, but their tools are very important."
To donate to the district, contact Dr. Danny J. Fletcher at (501) 447-3344.
