Sixth-grade students in Traverse City are set to begin blowing their horns and strumming their strings — except they may need a clarinet, oboe, or violin to practice their newfound musical talent.
The Traverse City Music Boosters hope to help place an instrument in every students' hands during their annual used instrument sale to be held at 1 p.m., Saturday at Traverse City West Junior High.
"This is an important service to the children and their families who would like an opportunity to own their own instument, but may not be able to afford a new one,” said Jeremy Treadwell, Boosters member and chairman of the sale.
"This is a way to put an instrument in the hands of a kid that really wants to learn to play,” said Treadwell, noting that it is also an opportunity for families to sell instruments they are no longer using.
Appraisers will be available to advise sellers from 9 to 11 a.m. Fifteen percent of each sale goes to support the TC Music Booster Scholarship Fund with the remainder going to the seller. Unsold instruments must be picked up between 4 and 5 p.m. the day of the sale, or may be donated to Music Boosters for use by TCAPS students.
Music teachers will also be on hand to help students and their families find just the right instrument for their size, ability and budget.
For more information, call the TCAPS music department office during business hours at 933-7570, or Jeremy Treadwell at 935-1961.