CHIRP puts instruments in the hands of youth who otherwise would be without.

The Children’s Instrument Recycle Program (CHIRP) offers refurbished instruments to students who want to stay in band but can’t afford it. Finding a new home for unused instruments can change a young person’s life.

“Our goal is to keep as many kids in band programs as possible,” said Mike Hess, MD, President of the WV Young Musicians Fund, Inc. and founder of CHIRP. “If they can’t afford to buy their instrument, rent one, and have been unsuccessful in borrowing one, band directors can contact our operation and we will get one to the student—for them to keep!” But while Hess heads the work of CHIRP, he understands he cannot do it alone –CHIRP depends on collaboration.

One of those critical collaborators is Bandland Music and Percussion located in Clarksburg, WV. Bandland assists band directors in recruiting beginning band students to make a life of music and refurbishes many of the instruments distributed by CHIRP at a significantly reduced cost. “Many of our customers rent or purchase, but some just do not have the means to qualify to get an instrument due to the cost,” said Evan Jones, owner of Bandland. “We started the CHIRP program with Mike Hess and his foundation so students who need an instrument to positively affect their life could still get one. The instrument becomes theirs, so they do have ownership, which is the most important thing for students and the band programs.”

“So far we have given 91 instruments to students in need in 15 counties in WV and we hope to expand,” Jones added. “We have 250 instruments in storage and now have the means to refurbish many more instruments.”

 

CHIRP also relies on strong collaborations with school band directors and music teachers, such as Kaitlin Exline, the Choir/General Music teacher and Assistant Band Director at Elkins Middle School. “CHIRP makes it possible for all students, regardless of their financial situations, to participate in band/orchestra programs, Exline explained. “As a music educator, I have submitted applications to CHIRP on several occasions. The application process is simple, requiring only a few minutes, and within weeks, students are provided a quality instrument. To see a student’s face light up, when they receive their instrument, is a priceless moment. CHIRP is a remarkable program, a blessing to the students of WV. Thank you for making instrumental music education accessible to everyone!”

 

The WV Young Musicians Fund hopes to expand to provide lessons and even music scholarships for those who wish to pursue music degrees after high school. Hess said they also hope to expand the number of schools they are connected with and the number of students they can help. CHIRP is run by an all-volunteer Board of Directors, so partnering with WV’s music community is critical.

CHIRP welcomes donations of instruments that can be refurbished and distributed to students. It also welcomes financial contributions to help pay for the refurbishing of the instruments.

Band directors and music teachers are encouraged to go to chirpwv.com and click on “For Educators” to learn how to connect with the WV Young Musicians Fund and CHIRP. “For us, connecting with the schools in our state is the best way to put a musical instrument in the hands of a kid who couldn’t have one otherwise, said Hess. “Music can open a child’s world and change it for the better. In the end, that is the goal of CHIRP.”

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Welcome to Children’s Instrument Recycle Program (CHIRP)