MADISON, Wis. — Nearly $1.4 million of federal COVID-19 relief funds were used to bring musical instruments to every Madison Metropolitan School District elementary, middle and high school.
At Vel Phillips Memorial High School, this is the first time since 1967 that students have received new instruments. $98,000 was allocated for the school to fill its band room with new clarinets, trombones, trumpets and more.
Memorial High School band teacher Ben Jaeger said these instruments were desperately needed in their program.
“I remember being that kid,” Jaeger said. “I wanted to play on something that functions and is brand new and shiny, it makes you want to play more and when you practice more you get to love music more.”
Due to supply chain issues, the process of instruments arriving has been slowed down. Though instruments have been arriving since May, Jaeger said he expects the full order of instruments to be delivered by the summer.
Teachers were able to request what kinds of instruments they needed in their classrooms. For Jaeger, he said it warms his heart to be able to see students play new and functional instruments.
“It’s beautiful for musicians like me, I just started this year,” student Samuel Quintella said. “It’s so good because we can play more pieces and more music and it’s just better for all.”
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