Tipitina's Foundation Encourages Donation of Used Instruments in Effort to Make a Difference in the Lives of Louisiana Children

NEW ORLEANS, Aug. 20, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Tipitina's Foundation is issuing a national call to action for the donation of used instruments in an effort to fuel the growth of its Instruments A Comin' – a program that aims to preserve Louisiana's musical heritage. The program provides additional opportunities for children to play music by refurbishing donated instruments and placing them in the hands of a child.  Since the program's inception, more than $3 million worth of instruments have been placed in 95 Louisiana schools.

Stafford Agee, trombone player of the GRAMMY® award-winning Rebirth Brass Band, works with Tipitina's Foundation in the organization's repair facility to restore donated instruments so Louisiana children may take pride in a quality instrument throughout their childhood music education.  Agee works alongside a team of seasoned technicians to repair brass and drum instruments, along with woodwinds and stringed instruments.  Repaired instruments are then placed into Louisiana schools, increasing accessibility to music education. 

"The need for instruments in Louisiana schools is great. We currently have more than 1,500 requests from music teachers and band directors across the state that are faced with slashed budgets. The potential reach of additional students could be greatly increased, but we are in need of additional instruments," said Bethany Paulsen, Executive Director of Tipitina's Foundation. "By refurbishing instruments and getting them into these programs, we'll see more students who want to play and will benefit from music education in return."

The average cost for Tipitina's Foundation to repair an instrument is $35 – while it may cost $350 to buy a new trumpet, $700 for a new alto saxophone, or $2900 for a new sousaphone. To put that into context, the Foundation is able to refurbish 10 donated trumpets for what it costs to purchase one new trumpet.

Donations of all types of instruments are needed. Brass, woodwind, percussion and stringed instruments can be shipped to New Orleans at no cost by using the online FedEx Donation Form.  To donate, visit tipitinasfoundation.org, print a shipping label, pack the instrument and drop it off at a nearby FedEx facility. Space for pianos, keyboards and drum kits is limited and can only be accepted with prior approval from the Foundation by calling (504) 309-7934. As the donor, you will receive a receipt for your donation. Instrument and in-kind donations to Tipitina's Foundation are tax deductible.

In addition to promoting childhood music education, Tipitina's Foundation assists in the professional development of adult musicians and engages in efforts to increase the profile of Louisiana music as a cultural, educational and economic resource.

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SOURCE Tipitina's Foundation