Adopt an Instrument
Through fundraising and the kind contributions of our supporters (including Province of BC, TELUS Community Boards, Long & McQuade and Best Buy Canada Musical Instrument Division), this program is able to either purchase, finance, or refurbish instruments which can then be placed into schools throughout the province where there is a need. In the past, we have been able to provide instruments to assist with a school band program, guitars to help every student have access to one during their guitar lessons, and percussion instruments to give young children get a starting point for musical learning.
Donating Your Used Instrument
Music BC Charitable Foundation would love to take every instrument that is offered to us, unfortunately at this time we do not have storage facilities or funding to refurbish old or low-quality instruments. We ask that used instruments be less than 5 years old, or alternatively, be of high quality and very well maintained. Certain instruments are very difficult to move/maintain (such as upright pianos) and are therefore not in high demand. Please call us to see if your instrument is an appropriate donation.
If you require a charitable tax receipt, your donation must be accompanied by a certified instrument appraiser’s letter stating the value of the instrument.
Eligibility Criteria for Schools
Before contacting Music BC Charitable Foundation about Adopt an Instrument, please read the following criteria carefully to assess whether your school/organization is eligible for the program.
The Music BC Charitable Foundation Adopt an Instrument program provides band, orchestral, and hand percussion instruments to public schools, band schools and community programs where there is a demonstrated commitment to music education for the benefit of the greater community.
We evaluate applicants based on a combination of their commitment to music education, financial need and instances where their students might face multiple barriers to academic achievement. Applicants are expected to be able to demonstrate these values in concrete and measurable ways.
What we fund:
- Public school core music programs for grades 1-12 (classroom instruction, band, orchestra & instrument-specific ensembles)
- Public school extra-curricular programs for grades 6-12 (jazz band, guitar club, e etc.)
- New youth music programs in the development stage
- Youth orchestras, jazz bands and ensembles
- Cultural and Heritage youth-based music programs
What we do not fund:
- Individual requests
- Private tuition-based schools or faith-based schools
- Early learning programs for children under the age of 5
- Instruments used solely for competitions
- Staff salaries or operating/administrative funds
Eligibility requirements
Elementary, Middle and Secondary Schools: must have at least one dedicated music staff and/or meet the threshold number of hours of instruction.
Band Council Schools: must have an elder or supervisor for music instruction and/or meet threshold number of hours of instruction.
Community programs or ensembles must meet the threshold number of hours for rehearsal and playing times and include an element of instruction.
If you are still unsure of your school or organization’s eligibility, please contact the Music BC Charitable Foundation Programs Coordinator to discuss prior to submitting an application. Music BC Charitable Foundation reserves the right to accept or decline applications for the Adopt an Instrument Program based on the previously stated eligibility criteria.
Application Document
Application for 2012/2013 Adopt an Instrument Program
**Deadline: Ongoing for 2012/2013
*** You will need Adobe Acrobat to complete this form. Please download it here: http://get.adobe.com/reader/
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