There’s nothing quite like the sounds of tong-tinglers, foo-flounders, and crashing jang-jinglers — to paraphrase Dr. Seuss — wafting up from school campuses as the summer ends and the school year begins. And though real-life instruments may have more conventional names (e.g., violin, flute, trumpet, etc.), the sentiment is the same.
While the opportunity to join band or orchestra is open to all pupils, not all students can afford to purchase or rent the instrument needed. That’s where you come in. For nearly a decade, Santa Barbarans have donated hundreds of horns, strings, and woodwinds to area schools, thus making sure any youth with the desire can explore their musical talents. “Most kids come into the program without their own instrument,” said Karen Dutton, Santa Barbara Unified School District music instructor, but thanks to public bequeathals, education equity is preserved for a wide demographic of students.
The 2017-18 school year begins August 21, so now is the time to dust off your unused music makers and donate them to the next generation of Yo-Yo Mas, Jean-Pierre Rampals, or Trombone Shortys. Bring your bounty to the Santa Barbara Education Foundation office (1330 State St., Ste. 201), Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, contact Katie Szopa at (805) 284-9125 or see sbefoundation.org/instrument-drive.