How to Care for Barred Instruments — Part 3

• Kristin Berger
• Posted 5/23/22
• 0 comments

Finding Funding

Now that your instruments are cleaned and inventoried, it’s time to purchase and replace the missing and broken parts. Repairs require resources — now it’s time to look for funding. 

First, come prepared. 

• Know what you need to purchase — including model numbers. 
• How much it will cost? Don’t forget hidden expenses, like shipping. 
• Who is your vendor? 

I’ve had great luck purchasing repair materials from West Music, although the materials are usually available directly from the instrument manufacturer (Sonor, Studio 49, etc.). If you’re able to bring someone in to run a repair workshop for your district or school, I highly recommend it. Share the information (and cost!) with those around you, and lean on each other for support after you’ve learned some tricks. 

Local Funding Sources 

When it comes to repairing instruments, I always ask my principal first. Sometimes buildings will allocate funds to purchase repair materials. The answer is often no, but that means I can move to the next potential source: the PTO. If the PTO does not have available funding, I will ask our Fine Arts Coordinator. If these school-based resources have been exhausted, it is time to look outside the school district.  

Second stop: Local resources. Before you start your door-to-door campaign seeking individual donations in your school’s community, make sure you are familiar with your district’s solicitation policy. 

One example is to create a sponsorship program. Ask organizations in your area (local hardware shop, family-owned grocery store, doctors’ offices, dentists, etc.) to sponsor an instrument in your classroom. I successfully implemented a sponsorship program in my last school district.  

I used a tiered donation system. Each dollar amount donated corresponded with a specific purchase $5 – ukulele strings, $10 – wall pegs, $15 – tuners, and $30 – a ukulele. I posted a sticker on each purchased item identifying the donor or organization. The donations got the instruments needed for my music room and provided free advertising for the organization!  

State Funding Sources  

I recommend starting with a quick search for “[insert your state here] music grant.” In my home state of Michigan, the entire two first pages of results from Google were authentic resources. Read the stipulations and requirements carefully. Each grant requirement is different, and some have specific asks in return, such as a photo of students using the purchased product or a line-by-line description of the funds’ disbursement. Not fulfilling the grant’s fine print can mean disqualification from further funding! 

National Funding Sources  

Start with an internet search. I recommend using filters to look specifically for grant sources, corporations’ charitable giving campaigns (specifically, think of large music entities), and professional organization(s) you belong to. Each of these searches may yield more ideas on where you can find funding.  

Conclusion 

While funding might feel like a barrier, it’s worth your time and effort to see the looks on students’ faces when they walk into the room and see the glimmering instruments just waiting for them. They will compose with joy, knowing that they had a hand in taking care of the instruments, and they will play with pride in front of their peers and community at concerts/informances. Spending time organizing, cleaning, and maintaining (while funding these activities) will return tenfold in the students’ pride in their music program. 

How to Care for Barred Instruments – Part 3 was originally published as a Teacher Toolbox article on August 26, 2021.

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