Donate musical instruments to school band

By LINDA M. LINONIS

linonis@vindy.com

YOUNGSTOWN

If you’re cleaning out your attic or basement and come across a forgotten musical instrument such as a trumpet or flute, don’t pitch it. There’s a school band that’s forming and needs it.

The Rev. Mike Swierz, president of St. Joseph the Provider School, said he talked to students about the possibility of forming a band at the school, and found they were interested.

The band is starting from scratch so it needs all kinds of band instruments including flute, oboe, clarinet, trumpet, saxophone, French horn, trombone, tuba, cymbals and snare and bass drums. So far, two violins have been donated.

Father Swierz said he’s seeking donations to get the project off the ground when the next school year starts. Donations can be instruments that are in working order or monetary contributions.

The school president said St. Joseph the Provider has about 130 students in kindergarten through eighth grade. The school on the West Side ministers to inner-city children; nearly all qualify for free or reduced-cost breakfast and lunch.

“I think learning an instrument gives students another skill and benefits their self-esteem,” he said. “It also helps improve their memorization skills and discipline.

The school can provide a letter for income-tax purposes relating to the donation and an estimated value of the instrument.

To drop off donations of instruments, contact the school at 330-259-0353. To make a monetary donation, make checks payable to St. Joseph the Provider School, 1125 Turin Ave., Youngstown, OH 44510. To donate online, visit http://stjosephtheproviderschool.com.