UM-Flint Wind Symphony Begins ‘Horns in the Attic’
Contact: Chris Heidenreich, Assistant Professor of Music, University of Michigan-Flint (810) 424-5315 or [email protected]
The University of Michigan – Flint Wind Symphony is sponsoring a community service project seeking gently used wind instruments for use in two Flint area schools. The project is titled “Horns in the Attic,” and the band members are seeking to help create an inventory of wind instruments for the Beecher Community High School and the St. Pius X Catholic Elementary School. These instruments include flutes, clarinets, oboes, saxophones, trumpets, French horns, trombones, baritones or tubas. Cash contributions will be used to provide repair supplies or materials needed to restore the instruments to playing condition.
The collection of instruments will begin on Thursday, October 16, at the UM-F Department of Music’s Collage Concert, and conclude at the Wind Symphony concert on Thursday, November 20. Donated instruments will be collected by members of the band, catalogued and repaired before the distribution to the schools. Member of the Wind Symphony are available to pick-up donated instruments in and around the Flint area.
Chris Heidenreich, conductor of the UM-Flint Wind Symphony, stated the following: “I began by thinking about ways in which the Wind Symphony members could give back to the community. We could help out with a clean-up in the community that would certainly benefit everyone, but I wanted to create a project that would help other musicians. I have seen other communities sponsor instrument drives, and I thought this might be a perfect way to marry community service with music. I had not realized how great the need is in both Beecher and at St. Pius until I spoke with the directors involved. Now, I think that myself and the members of the band realize what a difference a project like this can make to the instrumental musicians of these schools.”
A fund will be established for any individuals or corporations that wish to contribute to the project exclusively for the repair of instruments. Students will provide the labor on minor repairs which could include cleaning, sanitizing, pad repair, rod adjustment, replace of cork bumpers or water keys, replace valve springs, and minor dent work. Any left over funds will be used to provide materials such as reeds, valve oil, cork grease or other maintenance items for student use. Questions and potential donors should contact Chris Heidenreich at (810) 424-5315 or [email protected].
To learn more about the UM-Flint Music Department, visit their website.
