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  What is Instruments of Change?
  Instruments of Change is a 501(c)3 charity whose primary mission is to:  Profoundly impact the lives of disadvantaged children through the gifts of musical instrument donation, instruction and performance.   We accomplish this mission by seeking out new and gently used musical instruments that are not being played and place them with children whose parents do not have the means to purchase an instrument of their own.

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    Why musical instruments?
    

    Studies show that children who learn to play a musical instrument are far more likely to graduate high school and attend college, tend to score higher in academic pursuits and are less prone to drug and alcohol abuse. Children who learn to play an instrument show an increase in self-esteem and greater confidence in their abilities.

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    What about instruction for the children?
    

    Instruments of Change provides instruction for those children receiving instruments. Instruments of Change actively seeks out senior citizens and other volunteers with experience in musical training to provide lessons for these children.

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    How can you help?
    

    First, by donating the musical instrument that is sitting idle in your home. In today's economic times it can be difficult to give financially to a worthy cause. By donating your instrument you are making a difference in a child's life by giving something you already have.
    

    Second, Instruments of Change needs your talent. If you have the ability to play three chords you can begin teaching a child to play. Instruments of Change will give you the tools you need to hold each class along the way.
    

    Third, Instruments of Change needs volunteers to spread the word. Please consider sharing the vision of Instruments of Change with your family, friends, and neighbors.

The 'Music Monday' program was a huge success.   For seven weeks, children in grades K-5 were introduced to the wonders of music. Instruments of Change brought musical instruments, crafts, games and more to nearly 50 children in this Music Monday program.   The initial class focused on Meter and Tempo to give the children a basis for everything else taught in the class.   The children learned the concepts of slow (Allegro), medium (Moderato) and slow (Adagio) music.  They identified each type through a series of recordings and interactive learning.

In each successive class, the children were introduced to a new musical concept or instrument.   What a joy it was to see and hear the children making sounds on electric and acoustic guitars, bass guitars, violins, drums, and all kinds of percussion.

The staff at the facility were impressed that the children were actually allowed to touch and play the instruments.

At the conclusion of Music Monday, the staff asked us to return.   We will launch a new program in early 2010 to include formal instruction on a variety of instruments.

Check back for updates to the new program!

Piano donations make a unique impact on the lives of children. Through the generosity of our donors, we have been able to provide piano's to several facilities. Here is one example: GATES is a program that helps girls who have reached the age where they cannot remain in the foster care system. They are taught life-skills and given counseling to help them adjust to life on their own.

Girls Advancing To Empowerment & Self Sufficiency (GATES)
Mission statement: To provide an empowering life experience in a stable, safe and secure living environment for young ladies preparing for adulthood. Goal:

To assist young ladies ages 16-21 to make a successful transition from out-of-home care placement to self-sufficiency.

The Clair Mel Elementary School project is an ongoing performance-band program made possible by a grant from The Crossing Church.

The Spring Concert was a joy to behold!
Stay tuned . . . . more information and pictures to follow!
Saturday, May 22, 2010 at 3:00pm Music Showcase
402 Oakfield Dr
Brandon, FL 33511
(813) 685-5998

Our band program provides instruments and instruction to nearly 30 students in the 5th grade class at Clair Mel Elementary School and includes musical instruments, instructional materials, a band director and spring concert for the children.

It's an exciting time at Clair Mel with the students playing:

                          * Flutes
                          * Clairnets
                          * Saxophones
                          * Trumptes
                          * French Horns
                          * Trombones