OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — If you have an orchestra or band instrument tucked under the bed or in the attic that is just collecting dust, become part of the Band of Angels and give the old instrument a chance at new life. The program is in its fourth year and has provided hundreds of instruments to kids who can’t afford them.
Dasiyah Adams has played the viola for 5 years, but this year she grew out of her instrument and couldn’t afford a larger one.
“I found out last September that the Band of Angels got me a new instrument and I was really excited and it was brand new and really nice,” Adams said.
Now Adams has what she needs to earn a college scholarship. For so many in the metro, a musical instrument is their ticket to college
“There is such a correlation between how they do academically and those kids who are involved in musical endeavors,” Steve Ludwig, Principal at Lexington Trails, said.
Christina Bond has her sights set on the University of Kansas. The Band of Angels is looking for a larger cello to replace the one they gave her in middle school. Bond was also one of 10 kids that Band of Angels sent to summer music camp.
“There is not life without music. You can play it or listen to it or make it yourself,” Bond said.
Applications are stacked on Mike Meyer’s desk. He tries his best to match every needy child with the right instrument.
TJ’s application is heartbreaking. He lost his dad and step-dad and then his mom lost her job. Getting a trumpet for band was impossible for the family.
“He was going to have to quit band as an eighth grader and we were able to give him a brand new silver trumpet,” Meyer said.
“It gets kids through the toughest times. I’ve had parents tell me that when a grandparent died or a pet passed away, the first thing the child did was go to their instrument and play,” Kathleen McCullough, a retired orchestra instructor, said.
Shelves of donations have already come in; almost any instrument can be repaired or recycled.
Seventh grader Morgan Cravens was on the waiting list for a trumpet and this morning on FOX 4, she got a surprise.
“This is a silver trumpet that I think you will really enjoy to play for the coming years and it should be a lot better than the one you’ve been on now,” Meyer exclaimed to Cravens. “You keep playing and doing great things and we hope you go to camp again next year. Take your shiny silver trumpet and bless that band.”
“I’m really surprised, I didn’t think I would get it today, but I’m really thankful for that!” Cravens said. “My dad played trumpet, my grandpa played trumpet. It runs in the family so I hope to carry on that tradition.
If you would like to apply for an instrument through Band of Angels, or if you have one to donate, just click for more information.
There are three Meyer Music locations around the city; you can drop off used instruments there throughout the year.
