|
What is the vision of Highline Music4Life?
Highline Music4Life™ envisions a school district serving the Des Moines, Burien-White Center and SeaTac area in which all students have access to musical instruments in good working condition, high quality instrumental musical instruction, and supplies necessary to participate in instrumental music programs.
Are contributions to Highline Music4Life™ tax deductible?
Yes, Highline Music4Life, just like its counterpart serving Seattle Public Schools, Seattle Music4Life, is a registered 501(c)(3) entity. Our federal tax i.d. number is 26-4733898. Please be sure to check with your CPA or accountant for advice.
What is the immediate goal of Highline Music4Life?
Our goal is to acquire musical instruments and other resources needed to expand elementary instrumental music programs in Highline Public Schools. Acquisition of enough musical instruments suitable for fifth and sixth grade music students will allow Highline Public Schools to expand from 24 percent to 40 percent student participation.
How does Highline Music4Life acquire musical instruments?
There are two basic ways of acquiring musical instruments for kids who need and want to play them.
Many adults who once played in a band, orchestra or other musical ensemble have musical instruments in their garages or attics that are “lovingly used” but no longer played. That is a primary source for us.
When necessary, as when a child wants to play an unusual instrument, Highline Music4Life will buy it from a local retailer. Instruments acquired for fourth or fifth graders are known as “student-level” (i.e., “beginner”) instruments. We work cooperatively with instrument manufacturers who pass-on cost reductions to the retailer. This, along with Music4Life’s bulk-buying capacity, almost always results in favorable pricing for the school district.
What about choral music?
Choral music is important, too, but most students arrive at school with the instrument they require to sing. When we accomplish our immediate Highline Music4Life goals, we can expand to other grades.
What about middle school and high school music programs?
Most students start instrumental music in 4th and 5th grades. By expanding elementary instrumental music programs, we will help secondary music programs to grow, too. In certain unusual circumstances, Highline Music4Life may be able to support the instrumental music needs of more advanced, needy students in the upper grades.
How will Highline Music4Life address the wealth of cultures in the area?
Like choral music, world music is also important. Music defines generations and cultures, and is an important part of our heritage and our diverse communities. A number of schools in this area have hip hop, jazz, mariachi, marimba, and steel drum bands, electronic music, and other instrumental ensembles. We hope to see these thrive and expand, and look forward to supporting world music in the years to come.
How is Rotary involved in the program?
Music4Life™ is an “Official Project” of Rotary District 5030, comprised of 54 Rotary clubs serving the Greater Seattle area. Highline Music4Life serves students attending all of the Highline Public Schools and is a community activity inspired by the Rotary Club of Des Moines, the Rotary Club of Sea-Tac and the Rotary Club of Burien-White
Center.
What kinds of instruments are needed?
Many musical instruments are needed, including violins, cellos, flutes, clarinets, trumpets and trombones for elementary-aged children. Any instrument “lovingly used” or better, that is serviceable, can be used for this program.
What do instruments cost?
Good quality beginner instruments range from $300 to $3,000 apiece. Instruments most in demand include violins, cellos, flutes, clarinets, and trumpets. Other instruments include violas, string basses, bass clarinets, oboes, trombones, alto saxophones, baritone horns, tubas and snare drums.
Who owns the instruments?
Instruments acquired by Highline Music4Life are donated to Highline Public Schools.
Who repairs and maintains the instruments?
It depends. Sometimes, the contributor will get the instrument repaired before giving it to Highline Music4Life. We believe it is important to provide Highline Schools with an instrument that is ready-to-play. So, when necessary, Highline Music4Life will get the instrument repaired. Once instruments have been given to Highline Public Schools, they are responsible for maintenance and repairs.
What about supply and maintenance costs?
Highline Music4Life recognizes the importance of musical instrument maintenance and some supplies, which themselves can quickly add-up. Instrument cases cost as much as $150 each. Violin and cello strings cost $20 per set. Woodwind reeds cost $12 per box. Mallets and drum stands run from $20 to $100. Wire music stands cost $10. Annual maintenance on the average musical instrument costs approximately $50. All in all, Highline Music4Life understands that, when you give a trumpet to a fourth or fifth grader in October, it is probably going to get banged up a bit once summer rolls around. We do the best we can, knowing that a musical instrument with a busted valve cannot be played at all.
Who handles the recognition letters for tax purposes?
Music4Life, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, sends recognition letters that contributors may use for tax purposes to the extent allowable by federal law. Contributors are advised to consult with their personal financial advisors regarding individual tax benefits.
Where can I purchase an instrument for my child?
Greater Seattle is fortunate to have many fine music stores. Highline Music4Life is proud to highly recommend Kennelly Keys Music for any and all musical instrument and music supply needs.
 
  
|
