Utica Schools Superintendent Bruce Karam on ‘The Gift of Music’

One Central New York school administrator is urging former musicians to gather old instruments that are no longer being used and donate them to current students who can put them to good use.

Utica City School District Superintendent Bruce Karam says that instruments donated through "The Gift of Music" will be refurbished by Dolgeville-based Samco and delivered to Proctor High School in Utica.

The instruments will not only benefit students at Proctor but also the elementary and middle schools in the district as well, as the high school supplies the others with instruments upon request.

The event takes place this upcoming Saturday, May 14, 2016 at Sangertown Square Mall on Seneca Turnpike in New Hartford.

"A few weeks ago I got a call from Mr. Steve Merren...He is always donating, contributing,... and it's a wonderful thing...Anybody not using an instrument any more - if it's in their attic, if it's in their cellar, they're going to collect them, refurbish them, and then provide them to the orchestra adn the band ...at Proctor High School...(it's) a phenomenal project."

Karam says that many students wish to play instruments but cannot afford to buy, or even rent them.  Although the district makes every effort to include students who want to play an instrument in the district's music program it has become increasingly more difficult to do so as the current inventory is in need of repair.

The instruments can be in any condition.

Those who cannot make it to Saturday's event at Sangertown Square Mall may bring instruments to the offices of Townsquare Media during business hours at:

9418 River Road; Marcy, New York  13403

For more information on how to donate call Townsquare Media: (315) 768.9500.