Middle school in need of instruments
POLSON MIDDLE School is asking for donations of instruments for the band. Pictured is the sixth grade band. (Photo provided courtesy of Nicholas Ross)
RONAN CHIEFS head coach Mitchell Wassum talks to his team during the Mission Mountain All-Star game Thursday night at Ronan Events Center. (Jason Blasco/Lake County Leader)
A local school is asking the community for help in hopes of continuing musical education.
Polson Middle School band director Nicholas Ross said that musical instruments are needed for the band.
The school is looking for any instruments that students can use.
Twenty-five of the 58 sixth graders are using school instruments, he said, adding that about half of those 25 are unable to pay the rental fee of $50.
“We try to have a stock available, but we’re running short,” Ross noted.
Currently, there are between 30-35 instruments that are in playable condition, but not good condition.
At the beginning of the current school year, Polson Middle School band saw its largest sixth grade band, with 58 students interested in learning instruments, which is 20 more students than previous years.
The problem with the instruments that the school has, is they are beginner instruments, and as Ross explained, “they aren’t made to last forever.”
While the school is not cutting music education, Ross said that the school is not able to do a typical five-year replacement plan as other districts do.
According to Ross, a majority of the instruments are about 30 years old.
Three new instruments were received several weeks ago following a grant Ross applied for, and he said he’s scouting for more.
Ross said bottom line, he’s trying to ensure there is a stock available for the summer band program and next school year.
“I don’t want to take instruments away from students who are already using them.”
Anyone wishing to donate a musical instrument or make a monetary donation can do so at Polson Middle School, where Ross said a receipt will be given.
Donations are tax-deductible.
For more information, contact Ross at (406) 883-6335, extension 352.