If you studied music in school, chances are there is an old guitar, violin or trumpet in the back of your closet, a forgotten, dust-covered relic of youth. But even if you haven’t picked up the instrument in years, it still can do an amazing amount of good, says Sean Phillips, marketing director at West County Center in Des Peres.
For the second year, the shopping center is partnering with the local nonprofit Play It Forward to collect used instruments for students who can’t afford them. St. Louisans can donate playable instruments at two dropoff points in the mall through April 7. They will be cleaned, serviced and distributed to local schools—some of which have suffered serious music budget cuts in recent years, Phillips says.
“West County Center supports a different charitable cause each month, and this one works well for spring because March is National Music in Our Schools Month,” he notes. “Last year, we collected nearly 60 good instruments for Play It Forward, and we were beyond ecstatic about the response. We actually received one of nearly every type, including things like a saxophone, clarinet, flute, drums, keyboard, and even a full-size orchestra xylophone. This year, we want to meet or exceed last year’s success.”
Samantha St. Raymond, president of Play It Forward, says the impact these instruments have on children’s lives is remarkable. “We work often with kids in foster care and social services, and they really benefit from the healing power of music,” she explains. “We know it positively affects the brain in terms of learning and comprehension, and it can help them rebound from traumatic experiences. Several years ago, there was a little girl who had suffered sexual abuse and was living in a safe house. She asked for a violin, and we set up lessons for her. Years later, we found out she was still playing; that’s a major success for us.”
Play It Forward has some other important plans in the works, too. One of its students, 16-yearold Tanay Chandak, created tracking software for the organization’s donated instruments. It soon will be used for a new program, The Players Club, which allows businesses and individuals to get involved in students’ musical journeys by sponsoring their monthly band instrument rental fees. St. Raymond says the nonprofit welcomes support in other forms, too, whether it’s a monetary donation or simply sharing any music student’s successes on social media.
For students, having their own instruments is crucial to mastery because they can practice at home as well as at school. “Donated instruments have made it possible for some of our students to get college music scholarships,” St. Raymond explains. “Everybody starts somewhere, including our favorite performers and stars. Music is a connection that everyone shares.”
West County Center supports the community by partnering with a different charitable initiative each month; through April 7, St. Louisans can donate used musical instruments in good condition to benefit students in need. Pictured on the cover, clockwise from top left: Board member Dallas Feltman, student Tanay Chandak, board members Brad Jackson and Audra Angelique, president Samantha St. Raymond. For more information about donating instruments, visit shopwestcountycenter.com.
Cover design by Julie Streiler | Cover photo by Tim Parker Photography
Pictured at top: Play It Forward president Samantha St. Raymond with student Tanay Chandak
Photo: Tim Parker Photography
