Charlotte Symphony rallies support for CMS instrument needs
After Charlotte Ledger article about band and orchestra director directors' frustration over insufficient funding for instrument repairs, the Charlotte Symphony put out a community "call to action"
The following article appeared in the September 27, 2024 edition of The Charlotte Ledger, an e-newsletter with smart and original local news for Charlotte. We offer free and paid subscription plans. More info here.
Charlotte Symphony launches fundraising effort in response to Ledger article about CMS band and orchestra instruments in need of repair
by Cristina Bolling
The Charlotte Symphony on Wednesday put out a “call to action” on its social media channels following a Charlotte Ledger article about insufficient funding for band and orchestra instrument repair in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools’ middle and high schools.
In the article, CMS band and orchestra directors said the $700 they are given for instrument repair isn’t enough to keep their stock of aging instruments in working condition, in some cases creating situations where unusable instruments are piling up.
In a statement Wednesday, the Charlotte Symphony said it was “deeply alarmed” by the article and that while it has worked to provide instruments to partner CMS schools, “we cannot stand by while so many students start their school year without the tools they need to participate fully in music programs, which are proven to improve mental health, emotional stability, and academic performance.”
The statement continued:
We feel a profound responsibility to step up and offer our support. The Charlotte Symphony is committed to taking action by bringing together a consortium of funders, community partners, and instrument repair specialists to address this pressing need. We invite all those in the community who can offer assistance to reach out and join us so we can provide CMS students with the working instruments they deserve. Contact us at feedback@charlottesymphony.org.
On Thursday, Charlotte Symphony spokesperson Deirdre Roddin said in an email to The Ledger that the symphony has been “so encouraged” by the community’s response.
“There has been a lot of engagement on social media, with many individuals and companies reaching out to ask how they can help — including offers of thousands of dollars. We’ve also heard from local businesses, including breweries, who are eager to get involved, even offering their spaces to help organize fundraisers,” she wrote.
“Right now, we’re sorting through all of these responses and connecting with potential partners to develop a plan that will channel this generosity and energy in the most effective way to make a lasting impact,” Roddin wrote.
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