Do you have a gently used instrument collecting dust in your home that you’d like to get rid of? Do you wish to help students and other community members who have expressed an interest in learning to play music? Are you able to visit one of four drop off sites in and around Milwaukee on October 2 (or arrange for drop off at a later time)? If you answered yes to, well, all three of these questions, Wisconsin Conservatory of Music has just the thing for you!
This weekend, the organization will host an instrument drive for Southeastern Wisconsin families who cannot afford to rent or buy an instrument on their own. Since 2017, these Wisconsin Conservatory of Music drives have collected, cleaned, repaired, and re-homed more than 300 instruments. This year’s instrument drive—10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, October 2—will take place at four collection sites. Those collection centers include:
McIntosh|Goodrich Mansion
1584 N Prospect Ave,
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Audubon Court Shopping Center
333 W Brown Deer Rd,
Fox Point, WI 53217
Brass Bell Music Store
210 W Silver Spring Dr
Milwaukee, WI 53217
Music & Arts
12805 W Janesville Rd
Muskego, WI 53150
Wisconsin Conservatory of Music is seeking the following types of instruments and other musical equipment from donors:
• Brass (Trombone, Trumpet, French Horn, Tuba, Euphonium, Various Horns)
• Strings (Cello, Double Bass, Harp, Viola, Violin)
• Guitar (Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Classical Guitar, Electric Bass, Ukulele)
• Winds (Clarinet, Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Piccolo, Saxophone – all types)
• Percussion (Complete Drum Sets)
• Accessories (New Instrument Cases, Instrument Cleaning Supplies)
A press release states “there currently is not a need for pianos, organs, kazoos, recorders, hand drums, cajons, frame drums, congas, and bongos. WCM prefers that donated instruments come with a case.”
After October 2, donations will continue to be accepted McIntosh|Goodrich Mansion on a rolling basis. Those without an instrument to offer who are still interested in supporting the drive can donate to the Instrument Repair Fund. More information about this weekend’s instrument drive can be found HERE.