Wanted Instruments for Framingham Elementary Band Program

In 2010, the Framingham Public Schools eliminated the elementary band program, when it cut two band directors and a string instructor to save $116,351.

Last year, Framingham Public Schools, under the leadership of K-12 Arts Director Donna Wresinski, resurrected the fifth grade band program. Of the 640 fifth graders last year, 440 participated in the instrumental music program said Wresinski.

The good news is this year even more students 475 have enrolled in band. That is 75 percent of fifth graders, said Wresinski.

“That is very exciting,” she said.

Fifth grade students are being offered free, in-class lessons in clarinet, flute, saxophone, trumpet and trombone and the opportunity to participate in elementary band. (The string program has not returned to the elementary schools.)

“The challenge is that with 475 students taking band, the percentage of students who need help acquiring an instrument has gone up,” Wresinski said.

Of the 475 band students, 300 students rented an instrument or had an instrument and another 100 scholarship instruments were already supplied, explained Wresinski.

This year, “the demand was just much larger than our supply,” she explained.

Framingham Public Schools is hoping the community might have instruments collecting dust in closets, shelves, attics and garages to donate to needy students.

“We will get them repaired, if needed,” said Wresinski.

Here is what is really needed ASAP:

• 3 clarinets, 3 alto saxes, 2 trumpets and percussion at Barbieri Elementary
• 2 alto saxes at Brophy Elementary
• 2 flutes, 6 alto saxes, a trumpet and a trombone at McCarthy Elementary
• 2 trumpets, a flute and an alto sax at Stapleton Elementary
• An alto sax, trumpet, trombone and percussion at Wilson Elementary

But the school department will accept donations of all instruments.

To donate, contact Wresinski at dwresinski@framingham.k12.ma.us