There is a trombone sitting forgotten in someone’s house right now that could change a kid’s life.
And that’s exactly what happened last year at our Band of Angels Day Party when a trombone was donated to the organization by a family that no longer needed it. Within a few short days it was in the hands of a kid who actually needed it. That’s how Band of Angels was designed to work, and it’s why Jeremy spoke with Andrew Levi to talk about what they are doing for Kansas City’s young musicians.
What Band of Angels does
Band of Angels bridges the gap between kids who want to play music and the instruments that make it possible. The organization collects used instruments from the community, refurbishes them to as-good-as-new condition, and donates them to kids who come from financially difficult backgrounds. They also provide scholarships to students involved in music or looking to get involved.
As Andrew puts it: “Passing off something that’s just sitting downstairs gathering dust will change a kid’s life, their entire trajectory, their future, their social circles, and really their confidence moving forward.”
How to donate an instrument
Band of Angels accepts instruments in any condition. Bring them all, Andrew says. Brand new, slightly used, completely broken. Every single one gets put to use.
Drop off locations are at any Meyer Music location:
- Blue Springs
- North Kansas City
- Overland Park
Volunteer: Instrument Cleaning Day
Band of Angels needs volunteers, especially for a big event they have coming up. Instrument Cleaning Day is Saturday, November 21st at Meyer Music in Blue Springs. It runs two shifts in the mid-morning to mid-afternoon, each about two hours long. Last year they brought together over 100 volunteers. This year they are aiming to double that.
If you want to sign up, reach out to Andrew Levi directly through Band of Angels and he will send you the form.
Don’t miss the Day Party
Band of Angels will be on-site at our Band of Angels Day Party on September 12th at the Rock Island Bridge, collecting instruments from noon to 3pm as part of the all-ages Crossroads Music Festival kickoff. If you have an instrument to donate, bring it down. It could be in a kid’s hands within days. Claim your free ticket here!
At Community Lending of America, we’re proud to support the organizations that invest in Kansas City’s next generation. Community Minutes like this one, and the annual Day Party, are both big parts of that mission.
Learn more at www.bandofangels.org