Connecting Young Musicians Across West Virginia
Music isn’t just sound—it’s hope, identity, and opportunity. Across West Virginia, many students dream of joining their school band or orchestra but face a heartbreaking barrier: they can’t afford an instrument or the cost of lessons. That’s where the West Virginia Young Musicians Fund (WVYMF) comes in.
Whether it’s placing a trumpet in the hands of a first-time player or sending a passionate student to a summer music camp, our work is grounded in a single belief: every child deserves the chance to play.
Explore Our Programs
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Children's Instrument Recycle Program (CHIRP)
Across West Virginia, countless instruments sit forgotten in closets and attics—silent, but still full of potential. CHIRP is about giving those instruments a second life, and giving students the chance to begin their musical journey with the tools they need to thrive.
Through our partnership with Bandland in Clarksburg, donated instruments are professionally evaluated, repaired, and placed in the hands of students whose families may not be able to afford one. It's a simple act that can make a lasting impact.
If you’d like to donate, you can drop your instrument off at Bandland, where a sales associate will guide you through the process. Or, if you’re unable to visit in person, click the link below to contact us—we’ll be happy to arrange a pickup or find a convenient solution. We’re also working to expand donation locations throughout West Virginia to make it even easier to give.
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WVYMF Scholarships
The WVYMF Scholarship Program offers financial support to students who show passion, dedication, and promise—but lack the means to pursue their goals. These scholarships are designed to help young musicians take the next step, whether that means studying music in college or finally owning an instrument of their own.
From tuition assistance and college application costs to instrument purchases and audition prep, our scholarships are here to remove the financial barriers that stand between talent and opportunity.
Nominations are open to educators, mentors, and community members who see what we see: raw potential, waiting to be nurtured.
Because when we invest in young musicians, we don’t just fund their future—we help them find their voice.
Make a donation
Support our mission by contributing today.
About US
Changing Lives One Note at a Time
WVYMF began with a simple belief: music has the power to change lives. Founded by the family of Dr. Robert D. Hess, our mission grew from the CHIRP program—placing unused instruments into the hands of students who need them most.
What started in Harrison County now echoes across West Virginia. Through instrument donations and need-based scholarships, we’re breaking down barriers and building up confidence, creativity, and connection. Because when a young person is given the chance to make music, something extraordinary happens.