Desert Sounds believes all children should have the opportunity to play an instrument.

We loan underserved students who would not otherwise be able to participate in their school band or orchestra program an instrument and related ancillary supplies.

Our Inspiration

In Jeremy’s own words, “Being a part of the school band was very important to me…” as it also was for one of his friends.  However, his friend suddenly found himself without a trumpet when none was available at their school and a purchase or rental wasn’t an option. Regretfully, the friend was going to have to give up this valued activity.

Jeremy was determined to keep music in his friend’s life and worked to find a solution.  The result: a contrabass clarinet was available—and the willing friend successfully took a new musical path. There was one small problem: This instrument required expensive reeds.

Again analyzing how to meet a need, Jeremy (who was also working in the school cafeteria at the time) elected to use his cafeteria earnings for the purchase of the needed reeds.  “Although no one knew I was buying the reeds, both of us learned.  My friend learned music—and I learned that I could make a difference”.

The aspirations of a teen-age student are now implemented by community benefactors, music instructors and other educators, parents and volunteers.  The wave has taken on impressive proportions, and all involved proudly carry the banner that supports the goal of “Feeding the mind and soul through the gift of music”.

“Without Desert Sounds my string program at Larkspur would have totally floundered.  We were sharing instruments, which mean there is no chance to practice and get better.  Desert Sounds saved me and now every student can take an instrument home, it’s a grand improvement.  –Murilou Chilman

 

“I can’t begin to tell you how much my students and I appreciate what you do! The orchestra program was started with the VH1 Save the Music Foundation Grant and has grown quite a bit in the 2 years since it started. If students couldn’t borrow instruments they wouldn’t be able to participate in the orchestra because $20 per month for instrument rental is more than many of our families can afford. The students who borrow the instruments from you realize how lucky they are and seem to have a lot of pride in what they do. Thank you so much for being there to support music in the schools. The orchestra program wouldn’t be what it is without you!”–Michelle Hartwig

“Last school year, a student at Kerr Elementary wanted to play the clarinet.  As there were not enough instruments available at the school and his family was unable to rent one, he was not able to play in band.  This school year, he again wanted to play the clarinet very much.  With the assistance of Desert Sounds, he was able to receive an instrument.  As a beginning 6th grader, he has made incredible progress, catching up to or even surpassing many of his second-year band classmates.  He often stuns his peers with how well he can perform his intermediate music – they have even applauded him in class and often say comments like, “Wow, you are GOOD!”  His motivation and accomplishments have helped push other students to work harder, making the band even stronger.  Without Desert Sounds, this amazing student would not have had the chance to have these experiences.” — Naomi Wilbur