The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
A Spalding charity shop is taking part in a nationwide musical instrument amnesty which aims to ensure children have the chance to play.
The Oxfam shop in the town is acting as a drop-off point for the amnesty, which is being spearheaded by internationally-renowned classical pianist James Rhodes.
He wants to see musical instruments passed onto UK school children who are keen to learn but don’t have the resources to do so.
To take part the public can drop off the instruments lying unused in attics and cupboards, which will then be collected and delivered to primary schools across the UK that desperately need them.
The amnesty started with a two-part Channel 4 series – Don’t Stop the Music – which followed James as he trialled the amnesty in a primary school in Essex.
James is passionate about the power of music to change lives.
In his view, kids are missing out, not just on one of life’s great pleasures, but on an activity proven to improve behaviour, creativity, teamwork – even basic literacy and numeracy.
James Rhodes said: “Music saved my life. It’s that powerful. It is, and must continue to be, a basic human right for every child to learn an instrument.
“Young children have a hunger and thirst to learn music that is simply not being met.
“Giving a child a musical instrument that they can call their own is one of the most extraordinary and powerful things that one can do.
“This amnesty gives people the chance to make a real difference.”
Oxfam is thrilled to be helping James with his instrument amnesty.
Instruments dropped off at Spalding’s Oxfam shop could help inspire a new generation of musicians who can use their talent to make great things happen.
This autumn Oxfam will also be inviting participating schools to stage a performance with their new instruments as part of Oxfam’s music festival, Oxjam: Local Music, Global Impact, which raises money to help fight poverty around the world.
The Don’t Stop the Music instrument amnesty closes on October 17, so please make your donation by this date.
For more information visit www.dontstopthemusic.co.uk
