Do you have a musical instrument that you’d like to donate? Vanguard-Inc,- ASO, volunteer supporters of the Albany Symphony Orchestra, is partnering with the East Greenbush Library in a musical instrument collection drive on September 14 to support their Instruments for Students program.

Jill Rifkin, a longtime member of Vanguard and head of its Instruments for Students program, is on a mission to provide instruments to children who yearn to study music and play in their school’s orchestra or band, but whose parents cannot afford afford to purchase or rent the instruments, and whose schools lack sufficient instruments for the hundreds of children who need them. Ms. Rifkin states, “studies show that attendance and grades tend to rise and that children gain vital life skills, a sense of belonging, and self-confidence playing beautiful music with their peers – but to me, the joy of playing an instrument is perhaps the greatest benefit of all!”

Thanks to the generosity of hundreds of donors, Ms. Rifkin has helped collect and redistribute over 400 instruments to public school districts across the Capital District, ensuring that students can fulfill their desire to participate in their schools’ musical ensembles.

Donations are tax deductible. *Pianos are not accepted*

Date: Wednesday, September 14
Time: 4:00-6:30 p.m.
Location: Library & Greenbush YMCA Farmers’ Market located in the parking lot between the library and YMCA. (Rain location will be inside the library. Stay tuned to events calendar for weather updates.)
Contact: Jill Rifkin, (518) 439-1843