‘For the Love of Music’ Rotary project for students

Wayne Rotarian Pat Rice shows off a few of the instrument donations so far at the Wayne library.

By Sarah Shurge – Do you have an instrument at home that needs to be played and no one to play it? If you answered yes, then the Rotary Club of Wayne has a project just for you.
The Rotary Club will be collecting new or used instruments for the Wayne-Westland Community Schools from August through December. The Rotary will have these instruments refurbished and give them to the music department for distribution to the students.
The school district has many families who do not have the financial ability to purchase or rent instruments for their children to play in the band program. This project will provide the instrument for free to the student who wants to learn to play.
“It’s not a high priority, but it is to that kid. You don’t know who you’re doing to touch. It could be a brilliant player and this will open doors for kids that wouldn’t be able to play due to financial ability,” said Carol Bevard, President of the Rotary Club of Wayne.
The Rotary Club of Wayne is an organization of individuals who live or work in Wayne and contribute their time, talents, and treasure to improve the quality of life in Wayne and around the world.
Barry Burnham, President of Canton Rotary, brought the instrument collection idea to Pat Rice, member of Wayne Rotary. Rice is the project manager for the instrument project.
The Wayne Rotary decided to do this project because research by Dr. Nina Kraus at Northwestern University has proven that children who play instruments have improved concentration, memory, and focus by improving neural functions.
This directly supports basic education and literacy, which is one of Rotary International’s seven areas of focus.
“The project also helps with the recycling of instruments which helps prevent instruments from ending up in the landfill. It is a win-win for everyone involved: the people who donate feel good and the student who receives the instrument feels good,” said Bevard.
Bevard has served in the Rotary since 2019 and has held the title of Rotary President since October 2021. She played the clarinet in high school marching band in the Wayne-Westland School District and donated her clarinet to the project.
“It’s a personal thing. Not everyone has an instrument, but if you have an instrument that needs someone to play it, then please donate it,” said Bevard. “ Instruments need to be played.”
The Rotary hopes to collect at least 100 instruments. They are accepting new or used: string, brass, woodwind, or percussion instruments. Any instrument really, except pianos.
If you have an instrument that you would like to donate, you can drop it off at two locations: the Wayne Public Library (3737 S. Wayne Rd.) or Hype Recreation Center (4635 Howe St.).
The Wayne Rotary is also hosting a Free Community Shredding Day on Saturday, September 30th, at Hype Athletics. It is open to the public for disposal of confidential documents to prevent identity theft. There is a maximum of five boxes. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Rotary is looking for more people to join. They meet every Tuesday at Noon in the Thomas Kelly Room in the Wayne Public Library.
If you are interested or looking for more information about the Rotary Club of Wayne, visit waynerotary.com, find them on Facebook or Instagram at “waynerotary”, or contact them at waynerotary@g-mail.com.