Do you have an old instrument that could be donated to help senior Comox Valley students realize their musical dreams? A Parksville society, Oceanside Classical Concerts Society (OCCS), is helping students in need with an instrument drive.
OCCS provides an annual scholarship to senior students who intend to further their music studies in post-secondary institutions, and they have provided a variety of workshops in the schools.
The OCCS鈥疢usical Instrument Lending Program is ready to pick up any brass, woodwind or string instruments that are donated from residents in the Comox Valley region. With the help of a donation of $14,500 from the Parksville Qualicum Community Foundation, the OCCS was able to rent a storage unit, complete instrument repair and refurbishing as well as cover advertising costs for three years.
Several local luthiers and instrument repair shops have joined the program, including Rufus鈥� Island Guitar Shop, Arbutus Music, High Note Musical Services, Fine Tuning Nanaimo and Mike鈥檚 Drum Lounge.
Program volunteers will pick up any donations from area residents to help students in District 71 schools. Local teachers will identify children in need of instruments in their music programs and OCCS will lend the instruments to students for as long as they are needed at no cost to the child, parents or schools.鈥�
If you have any old instruments collecting dust, OCCS would love to have them donated to the cause.
All instruments donated will be assessed and a tax receipt will be issued for those valued at over $20.鈥疨lease phone 403-874-8424 or email: strakaen@shaw.ca to schedule a pick up.
