Play It Forward donates 22 instruments to Springfield Public Schools students in need

(From Springfield Public Schools)

For 22 Springfield Public Schools, the holiday season will be full of good music and great cheer.

Play It Forward SWMO donated 22 instruments to SPS student musicians in need. The nonprofit approached SPS earlier in the year with the idea of serving 12 students in need of an instrument. Music teachers districtwide were encouraged to nominate students who needed a new instrument to further their pursuit of music.

"We were going to call the event the 12 Instruments of Christmas," said Ruell Chappell, director of Play It Forward SWMO. "Breana posted the call to music educators for their requests of deserving students. Well, we got 22 requests for instruments for 22 deserving students. As Play It Forward SWMO had no heart to choose 12 out of 22 presented, we decided to work to provide instruments to all 22 students."

Right before Winter Break, students were presented with new or gently used instruments that would further their musical education. Students from Central High School and Carver, Pipkin and Westport middle schools received trumpets, trombones, violins, cellos, clarinets and more in their music classes.

"For many of these students, they're headed to high school next year, and they might not have the instrument to continue pursuing music at school," said Kavanaugh. "A new instrument helps build confidence and keeps them engaged at school, because for some kids, music class is why they come to school every day. We want them to have that band or orchestra community, because music is a critical part of their overall education."

At Carver, a number of students received instruments, including eighth-grader Haylea Richardson. She received a new clarinet.

"I almost started crying," said Haylea. "I've had a school instrument for three years, and now I can have one of my own. It is really shiny. Now I can take this one home and practice whenever I want."

Local businesses supported the effort of equipping SPS students with new instruments this holiday season. Participating sponsors of Play It Forward SWMO include: Springfield Music, Car-Fi, Youngblood Auto Group and Fouche Enterprises. Together, their contributions purchased approximately $15,000 in new and gently used instruments.