ARIAS got its start 20 years ago with a mission to bring music education to Nassau County Schools. In each of those years a group of 60 volunteers visited schools across the County, introducing students to string, percussion, brass and woodwind instruments in a program called Instrument Zoo. “Over those years these instruments were played more than 17,000 times,” says ARIAS Board Member Lyle Thompson. “The children always thanked us for bringing the instruments to them and many hoped that they could play in a band someday,” added another Board member Suan Kosciulek.
Then came the pandemic, with school closings. When classes resumed, sharing instruments became a thing of the past. But the importance of music education remains. Today Thompson and a group of volunteers provide instrument demonstrations at schools across the County.
But what to do with the instruments?
On their way to half a dozen local County schools, organizations and musicians, more than 30 instruments have found new homes and are keeping music education alive. “I’m thrilled that so many community organizations and students will now benefit from all the donated Zoo instruments,” says ARIAS President Sheri Van Orden.
Among those new homes is the Amelia Musical Playhouse. Said AMP Director Jill Dillingham, “Our high school and college pit members … are always eager to try out different instruments. I promise you these instruments will be well cared for and loved.”
