Music4Life is pleased to report that during the second quarter of 2023-24, which includes the months of December, January, and February, Music4Life delivered to the Lake Washington School District free of charge five ready-to-play musical instruments independently valued at $2,900. These included one cello; one tongue drum; and three 4/4 (full size) violins. Instrument delivery numbers are being verified with the Lake Washington School District.In general, Music4Life found that instrument deliveries slowed considerably across all 12 of its programs during the last quarter. This was due to a heavy load of instruments needing repair at all its vendors. Music4Life volunteers are giving this attention, but it’s fair to say that the organization values quality repairs over quantity. Because these instruments have an estimated remaining useful life of three to 15 years, several students are expected to experience the educational benefits from the use of many of them.
In addition, there are other instruments in-process of repairs that should be delivered soon to the Lake Washington School District and more are coming in. These will be reported to the club in future months. For fairness, instruments are provided to participating public school districts on the basis of the relative financial productivity of each of their Music4Life Chapters. Anyone wishing to contribute a lovingly used trumpet, clarinet, violin, flute, or other musical instrument to Music4Life in the Lake Washington School District may contact the Rotary Club of Kirkland’s youth service committee chair, Prof. Jocelyn Reiter Ellison. If you want to support musical instruments for kids who can't afford them, you may visit the Music4Life website, or use the DONATE button on the Rotary Club of Kirkland's website home page.