Band Instrument Loan Program
The value of the arts in education is something that the Optimist Club of Huntsville takes very seriously. The club feels that every child deserves the chance to play a musical instrument. Studies have shown that it makes kids smarter, improves the quality of their education, and helps to teach them the skills necessary for success later in life.
In times when instrumental music programs are shrinking and being threatened due to budget constraints, our Band Instrument Program is thriving. Students are enjoying the positive educational benefits of playing in the band. The program was established in 1997 with 12 instruments serving two middle schools. Today we have 235 instruments and serve 22 middle schools in Huntsville, the City of Madison, and Madison County.
When borrowing an instrument, each child signs a contract promising to care for the instrument, practice regularly, and be in their school’s band. The middle school band director identifies the need and the Optimist Club loans the instrument. The Optimist Club of Huntsville assumes maintenance and repair of all instruments. Individuals interested in this program should contact their Band Director.
The need for instruments has increased each year. Therefore the Optimist Club of Huntsville has established the LINK (Lonely Instruments Needing Kids) program. We are looking for band instruments that can be used by middle school students who would like to join the band, but whose families just don't have the means to rent or buy one.
L.I.N.K.
Lonely Instruments Needing Kids
LINK is a program of the Optimist Club of Huntsville, whose mission is bringing out the best in youth, our communities, and ourselves.
The Optimist Club of Huntsville collects donated musical instruments and funds to repair them and puts the instruments in the hands of needy children who want to study music. All donated instruments are refurbished and restored to playing condition before they are loaned to a child.
There are very few activities that can teach structure, teamwork, and simultaneously, individuality, like music can. But in many cases, a child’s family does not have the resources to buy or rent an instrument. Let us help a few more young people learn these skills.
Here's how it works:
While going through your attic or another storage compartment, you uncover a lovingly used instrument from your musical past. After a moment of fond reminiscence, you decide that you would like to see your instrument put to good use by someone who really needs it. You contact the Optimist Club of Huntsville - (256) 427-3213 or at link@hsvoptimists.org - and tell an Optimist member about your musical treasure, and make drop-off arrangements. You may also drop off your instrument at Southeastern Musical Services, 3308 9th Avenue, Huntsville AL 35805. Just tell them it is for the Optimist Club of Huntsville.
You will receive a letter from Huntsville Optimist Foundation a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public service organization, acknowledging your gift and thanking you for your generosity - the letter also serves as a donation receipt for income tax purposes.