COLUMBUS, Ohio — Adam Friedman, the Columbus Music Commission Executive Board Chair and Toledo native, is holding his 4th grade clarinet, which is the first instrument he ever learned to play. It’s the instrument and his experience that served as the introduction to his imagination.
“Hearing organized chaos, and that chaos (are) the sounds in your head and the sounds outside. And it’s pulling it all together in a way that can move people to tears. That can lead them into togetherness,” said Friedman.
Last year, the Gift of Music instrument drive provided more than 300 Columbus City Schools students the opportunity to broaden their musical horizons.
Dr. Betty Hill, Columbus City Schools Unified Arts Supervisor, says the Gift of Music campaign increases engagement and provides the opportunity for past students and parents alike to give back.
“I’ve heard from a lot of people; they’ll stop by and say, ‘Hey, I’ve had this instrument for years, and I was cleaning out my closet, I was cleaning out my garage and I found this instrument—I forgot all about it. But I would love to donate it to a student that can use it,’” said Hill.
Administrators are asking the public to think about donating new or gently used music instruments, amplifiers, strings, keyboards and accessories to those students in grades 4 to 12 who are in need.
Hill said across the school district, more than 27,000 elementary school students are participating in music, and from 6th to 12th grade, there are between 8,000 to 10,000 involved in band instrument and vocal music.
She said music education is much more than just a learning experience.
“Students, they’ll go to school and find a place in the music program that they belong. It’s like finding a home at school,” said Hill.
For Friedman, music has been the gift that keeps on giving, and a team sport like no other.
“Kept the clarinet but moved onto the guitar and many instruments ever since. They might be playing the saxophone, or tuba or the drums, but we’re playing one song together,” said Friedman.
Collection dates for the Gift of Music Campaign are this weekend, Sept. 5 and Sept. 6.
For more information on curbside drop-off locations across Central Ohio as well as the Gift of Music Go Fund Me page, go to http://www.giftofmusic.info/
