Bring your used musical instruments to Meadowbrook Mall Saturday and they can have new life through the Child Instrument Recycle Program. Under the direction of Dr. Mike Hess, “CHIRP” is reaching more aspiring musicians than ever before.

“I have expanded the program to include Taylor and Barbour counties,” said Hess, about the program he started two years ago in Harrison County.

 

The idea was provide instruments to children who desired to be in their school band programs, but whose families could not afford to purchase instruments. That effort has been very successful, with a dozen assorted instruments provided to Harrison County band students.

 

“We probably have 40 or 50 instruments, so now we have more opportunities to help more kids,” Hess said. “I can see this thing in the next couple of years being more of a North Central West Virginia project, involving five or six counties.”

 

The long-term goal of the program is to reach children through musical education, instilling an interest that can last a lifetime.

 

Hess said much feedback is received, including one recent story which shows that the program is more far reaching than even expected.

 

“I had a parent come up to me at a school band function, telling me how appreciative she is of the program,” he said. “She said it changed her son’s whole attitude toward school. His grades improved and he is doing very well in band. He loves practicing every day and it has turned everything around for him.”

 

Those are the kids CHIRP is looking for; children who have a true desire to learn music.

 

“Once we find those kids, they just really take off,” Hess said.

 

School band directors are encouraged to seek out children who wish to be part of the school band program, but because of financial need cannot afford an instrument.

 

Schools in Harrison County start teaching band classes in fourth and fifth grade, so most of the instruments go to elementary and middle school students under what CHRIP calls “scholarships.” Students have to maintain a good grade point average, be in good standing with the school and demonstrative trustworthy characteristics to be eligible for an instrument. Children in elementary, middle and high school can be provided instruments through the program.

 

Saturday’s collection will take place 9 a.m. through 8 p.m. at the charity booth near Marshalls at Meadowbrook Mall in Bridgeport. Anyone can drop by the booth to donate a musical instrument.

 

“We’re looking for brass and woodwind instruments – from trumpets, trombones and French horns to flutes, clarinets and saxophones,” Hess said.

 

Those who have bigger instruments, such as pianos, keyboards and drums, are encouraged to contact Hess. There are needs – such as those of schools and churches – and he is glad to try to coordinate. Recently, one such instance took place involving Simpson Elementary School. (Read about it here.)

 

CHIRP accepts instruments in all conditions.

 

“Some come to us in excellent condition, some in need of repair and others that we just use for parts,” Hess said.

 

Repairs and upgrades are funded through an endowment fund instituted through Your Community Foundation (YCF), a charitable, non-profit organization based in Morgantown.

 

“We’re proud to say that we’re fully funded,” Hess said. “In three years, we’ve raised over $10,000 and all through private donations – which is wonderful.”

 

Al Buterol and the Inhalers – a former band comprised of physicians – got the ball rolling with about $3,000 in fundraising efforts. Individuals followed suit; one anonymous contributor donating $1,000.

 

“Then we raised $6,000 through word of mouth,” Hess said.

Now fully funded, YCF will invest the money and all future donations to increase its value, and distribute the annual net income from those investments to CHIRP to help cover instrument repairs and other costs associated with the program.

 

For more information, call Hess's office 681-342-3700 or Bandland 304-622-1171or visit bandlandmusic.com. 

 

Pictured on cover: Members of GFWC Women's Club of Bridgeport present Hess with a financial donation to YCF to fund efforts of CHIRP.