Play It Forward
Classical Minnesota Public Radio's Instrument Drive

Your school's music program will directly benefit when you partner with Classical Minnesota Public Radio's first-ever instrument drive campaign. There is a very important role for you to play in the project's success.

The public launch of Play it Forward will come on March 29. Throughout April, Classical MPR will encourage their 900,000 listeners to donate used band, orchestra and elementary instruments to their community's schools. With Classical MPR 's ability to reach potential donors throughout Minnesota and with YOUR advance preparation, involvement and support, we can make this program successful for students and for school music.

Tell me more

Listeners will be encouraged to donate their used instruments to schools in their community. Classical MPR will reach out in many ways, including announcements on-air and online, social media, emails to MPR listeners, and live broadcasts around the state.

To participate in the program, a school will need to

•  Fill out the Play It Forward web form on Classical MPR's website by March 19,

•  Agree to accept donated instruments throughout the month of April,

•  Agree to provide a tax receipt to donors — Classical MPR will provide each school with a template for a tax receipt to give the donor. Be sure to check with your administration also, in case your school or district already has a form or process for in-kind donations. Donations of an instrument with a value up to $500 will not need an appraisal. If an instrument is valued at more than $500 the donor should secure an appraisal from a qualified music store, and

•  Track the kind and number of instruments donated, and

•  Respond to Classical MPR 's survey about how many and what types of instruments were donated to your school, and who will be served.

We really need more instruments. Is there something I can do to increase participation in my community?

We're learning that some people don't know how to donate to schools in their community. If you have an email list of parents, former students, boosters or school supporters, your personal email endorsing Play it Forward , informing them of your needs and providing them with a link to Classical MPR 's Play it Forward could be the extra encouragement needed for them to open their closet, help a student in need, and get a tax deduction for their donation!

What if I get instruments I don't need or instruments that aren't playable?

Each school makes its own decision about what to accept and Classical MPR will post a list of "acceptable instruments" on the Play it Forward website. MMEA is compiling a list of instrument dealers that will take in instruments and issue store credits so you can purchase the instruments you need. You can consider that as another option when you are deciding what to accept.

Who decides which schools gets the instruments?

Each listener will be making his or her own decision about which school will receive the donated instrument. That is why it's important for YOU to complete the Play It Forward website by March 19. Make sure potential donors see your school's name on the list, what instruments you are accepting, and the location and school hours when you or your representative will accept donated instruments.

Final Notes

Classical MPR is looking for directors who would be willing to write a few sentences or say a few words about the need for instruments in their school music program. If you'd be willing to help, contact playitforward@mpr.org .

If you have any further questions, please contact playitforward@mpr.org .

Play it Forward is made possible in part by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and in partnership with the Minnesota Music Educators Association.