Extending the life of a musical instrument – giving it renewed purpose and a young student a chance to blossom musically – is the purpose behind CHIRP.

 

In five years’ time, the Children’s Instrument Recycle Program has been embraced by Harrison County and successfully swept across 10 other West Virginia counties. Used band instruments are collected, repaired and retuned, then distributed free of charge to fifth through eighth graders in need. The goal, founder Mike Hess said, is for the program to be in place across the entire state.

 

To help make that happen and keep CHIRP thriving, a Jazz, Wine and Cheese fundraiser is scheduled for April 20 at Bridgeport Conference Center

 

“Monies from this event will help us repair instruments which can run $20 to $60 each,” Hess said. “It will also help with costs of delivery.  Hopefully, we can generate enough to improve our media and marketing efforts to get the word out.”

 

Providing musical entertainment will be the West Virginia Wesleyan Jazz Trio. On display will be a collection of art and jewelry made from by Bill and Amanda Leaseburg from irreparable instruments. Those items will be available for purchase via auction. The local artists will be on hand to do caricatures, as well. A cash bar will be available. 

 

 It was five years ago when the idea came along, bringing together the musical aspirations of young children with instruments that were no longer being played. The program has produced positive results.

 

“I'll always remember one of the first instruments given to a student at Big Elm Elementary. I never got to meet the student but two years later I ran into the parent by chance,” Hess said. “She went on to tell me how her child used to be a D student and since receiving a flute from our program, and with daily practice and improved learning is now a solid B student. She is so proud and so thankful. I hear the same comments from every band director as well. Hopefully, we can improve the odds pf success for many children across our state.”

 

The desire of a child to make music should never be stifled because his or family cannot afford to purchase or rent an instrument. The solution was somewhat simple – a recycling program for musical instruments, Hess said.

 

Around the state, there are hundreds of instruments going unused in homes, hidden away in the backs of closets, in attics – or even mounted on the wall as decoration.

 

“The folks from CHIRP want and need those instruments,” Hess said. “Whatever the shape of the instrument – gently used or in need of repair – they can be evaluated, repaired, sanitized and put in good playing condition, ready to be placed in the hands of an eager student.”

 

Each fall, when music programs start in school, teachers identify situations in which students need instruments.

 

“Then, an instrument is matched to the request and delivered to school to start a new life in the hands of a very happy, young student,” Hess said.

 

Music isn’t just a fun activity, he said. Research has confirmed that music and the arts are a vital part of a complete education.

 

Those who would like to donate an instrument – flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone, horn, tuba, French horn, cornet, violin, viola, cello, string bass, drums, bells, guitars or electronic keyboard – can drop them off at Bandland in Clarksburg. Instruments will be processed by a Bandland repair technician and distributed to a child in need.

 

Financial donations are also encouraged and can be sent to “West Virginia Young Musicians Fund,” c/o Michael Hess, M.D., P.O. Box 1345, Bridgeport, WV 26330.

 

“I am excited to know that we can help even more students join and stay in band programs,” Hess said. “Music changed my life and I hope it can change others. In this day and age, it is important to keep kids active and band programs can continue to do that. Studying music has been proven time and again to help in the learning process as well as improve overall school performance.”

 

The April 20 event will run from 6-8 p.m. Tickets are $20 and will be available at the door.