CCM Announces "LINKS" Collection Days March 11 &12

The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music will hold its annual LINKS (Lonely Instruments for Needy Kids) Collection Days on Saturday, March 11 and Sunday, March 12 at Joseph-Beth Booksellers (2692 Madison Road, Rookwood Pavilion, Hyde Park). The hours for the collection drive are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday and 12 noon - 5 p.m. Sunday.

LINKS, a project of the CCM Alumni Board of Governors with support from Buddy Roger's Music, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, and media partners CityBeat and WGUC-FM, began in 1993 as the brainchild of CCM alumnus Bill Harvey, Vice President of Buddy Roger's Music. Harvey, well-respected by music teachers in the Greater Cincinnati area, wanted to fill the need of getting instruments into the hands of students whose parents were not able to buy, rent or borrow an instrument. The solution was somewhat simple--a "recycling program" for musical instruments.

Since 1993, LINKS has placed over 1,200 instruments into the hands of children unable to purchase or rent instruments of their own. LINKS accepts donations of new and used instruments from the Greater Cincinnati community and then places them with needy children in local elementary, middle and high school bands and orchestras, as well as with students in the CCM Preparatory Department. Qualified students are identified by their schools' music teachers, and a LINKS scholarship application is submitted in the student's name.

Even if the instrument is not in perfect condition, donations are gladly accepted. Buddy Roger's Music generously contributes the time to carefully restore, tune and clean each instrument. Individuals who donate instruments will receive an appraisal and tax deduction for their gift.

In addition to the March 11 & 12 collection days, instruments are accepted year-round at any Buddy Roger's Music Store. Call (513) 729-1950 for the location nearest you.

For more information on LINKS, call the CCM External Relations Office at (513) 556-2100.