By Randi Bjornstad
A new project to help ease pandemic anxiety in students from Roosevelt Middle School and South Eugene High School has launched, seeking donations of unwanted or unused musical instruments from members of the community so that students in need of assistance can learn to play and participate in a virtual band or orchestra.
Gwynne McLaughlin, who founded the project, said in her announcement that “Learning to play an instrument can ease anxiety, spark creativity, and build confidence, all great ways to help our kids cope with the social distancing and virtual learning they’re experiencing during this pandemic.”
Being part of a musical group helps kids reconnect with peers and experience the satisfaction of participating in a “team” effort, McLaughlin said, recalling her own son’s experience learning to play a musical instrument during middle school and continuing to rely on this skill as a comfort in these difficult times of sequestratiom from school and friends.
The new Replay the Music Forward Project asks that members of the community consider donating new or used child-size or full-size musical instruments to help Roosevelt and South students who do not have access to musical instruments.
Carey Killen, principal at South Eugene high School, responded to McLaughlin’s efforts by acknowledging that “music study and performance is an irreplaceable experience for students.” An effort like McLaughlin’s “is truly uplifting during this rather distressing time for young musicians and their teachers,” she said. “We all look forward to a time when ensembles can be back together making music.”
People who would like to donate an instrument can contact the project at replaythemusicforward@gmail.com or 541-868-7887 to make the offer and arrange a “Covid-safe pickup,” since current restrictions related to the coronavirus do not allow for instruments to be dropped off at schools. Donated instruments will be quarantined and evaluated before being given to schools and loaned to music students.
