By Amanda Robbins
Middle schools could use help with instrument repairs, accompanists
Student interest in music is strong at Memorial Middle School, and the director of band and choir is hoping the community will pitch in to support these young musicians.
"This year has started out great," said director Julie Buchert. "There are more students in beginning band this year than the past two years, so I am pretty excited about that."
With a high enrollment of 100 kids in band and 45 in choir comes need for a little help. Buchert says the band programs could benefit from more instruments and money to repair the ones they have.
"The bigger, more expensive instruments are the ones that most financially strapped families cannot afford and those are the ones the district tries to keep available," Buchert said.
In particular, the bands need alto, tenor and baritone saxophones, timpanis, clarinets, any large instruments and a new piano - Buchert's is on its last leg - though any instrument in good condition will be accepted. Buchert said some of the larger instruments are not available to rent so if the district doesn't have one, the family must purchase it.
Because of normal wear and tear, all instruments need to go into the shop every year, but due to the limited budget she only takes in the ones that are completely broken down. Buchert explains she has to pick and choose which repairs are most crucial for her program and students.
Currently each student at Memorial Middle School is charged a $50 fee for joining the band, but it's waived for families that can't afford it.
The Albany school district used to have a budget for repairs. Buchert had $1,500 to $2,000 annually, which was used up every year. That budget is now gone, she said.
Buchert says donations of instruments in good condition or money for repairs can be dropped off at any middle or high school office, clearly labeled.
"They will receive a donation letter as well as a very nice thank you from me," she added.
Buchert says she also needs a volunteer accompanist so she can focus on being the director and teacher.
"I need someone who is dependable and who would be interested in being a part of our class and not really consider themselves a guest," Buchert said. "Our class is sort of a family and we need another member."
Buchert wants the community to know she is doing her best to keep the programs alive and open for all students.
"Our district has a strong athletic program, but that's just not for everyone," she said. "The more things we can provide our students in a positive environment that teach confidence building, commitment and that encourages strong character and follow-through, the better."
If you're interested in being a volunteer accompanist, contact Buchert at julie.buchert@albany.k12.or.us.
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Calapooia Middle School choir teacher Anna Seitz is also in need of an accompanist; she can be reached at anna.seitz@albany.k12.or.us. respectively.
Seitz said the best way the community can support the music programs is to attend their concerts.
"I am excited about the beautiful voices I get to work with, and I've been very impressed by our progress thus far," she said.
Calapooia's first school concert will be at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 15, in the cafeteria.
HOW TO HELP
Memorial Middle School started a fundraiser mid-month, that will run until winter break, in collaboration with Scentsy wickless candles. For more information, talk to a band student or director Buchert.
The community can also help the music programs by shopping at stores that have partnerships with the schools.
At Albertson's, you can get a Community Partner card that gives Memorial a percentage of sales when people with these cards purchase groceries. A portion of that money goes to the band program.
Community members can also go to escrip.com, where Memorial Middle School is partnered with Safeway stores and many others for online purchasing.
"There is no cost to anyone except Safeway and Albertson's," Buchert said.
Another way to help out the schools is Boxtops for Education. Boxtops from specially marked products are worth 10 cents each and can be dropped off at any middle or high school office.