A MUSIC AMNESTY is being called across the city to return forgotten instruments back into use.
While some instruments lie unused and neglected under beds, left in the attic or in a box in the shed, there are many schools and children more than willing to provide them with a new home.
Sunderland Music Hub which provides school music outreach services across the city, is appealing for people to donate unused, unloved musical instruments to their appeal so children can use them to practice and develop their talents on.
There’s a great opportunity to get involved on Saturday (16 July) at the Cultural Spring Summer Streets festival in Southwick’s Thompson Park, with a stall where people can drop off their unwanted musical instruments for others to enjoy.
Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, Councillor Louise Farthing said: “Your neglected musical instrument could be given another lease of life, and used to inspire and build a child’s confidence. Not everyone has access to a violin or guitar, and learning to play any instrument to possibly perform in public is a very rewarding experience.
“Your support could lead to the emergence of new stars from Sunderland to add to our list of famous home grown musicians – including Dave Stewart, Field Music, Lake Poets – the list goes on. At a time of reduced funding limiting the availability of instruments for students, why not contribute where you can.
“We would also love to hear the stories that accompany the instruments too, to share across the community. It might be easy to give up if practising becomes too hard or time consuming, but I think all of us would love to be able to play a musical instrument.”
Sunderland Music Hub based at Arts Centre Washington, works in partnership with schools, teachers, young people and youth organisations across the community to ensure all young people have access to high quality music education.
They are the lead organisation for the Sunderland Music Education Hub, a national network of organisations funded by the Department for Education and managed through Arts Council England.
Sunderland Music Education Hub Manager, Rebecca Pedlow said: “We need to be able to provide all our children with the access and opportunity to at least try out a musical instrument, and this amnesty is a chance for everyone to help us to do just that.
“At the moment thanks to people’s generosity we have about 20 violins, eight cornets, seven guitars, a number of recorders and flutes and assorted other woodwind, brass and percussion pieces but need even more.
“ If anyone would like to donate a musical instrument, regardless of size or condition, please email david.w.smith@sunderland.gov.