CCM Celebrates 16 Years of "LINKS" with 2009 Collection Days March 7 & 8

The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) holds its annual LINKS (Lonely Instruments for Needy Kids) Collection Days on Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8 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, with guest musical artists performing in the store throughout the weekend.

LINKS, a project of the CCM Alumni Board of Governors with support from Buddy Roger’s Music, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, and media partners CityBeat, 90.9 WGUC and 91.7 WVXU, 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 1,550 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 students 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 7 & 8 collection days, instruments are accepted year-round at any Buddy Roger’s Music Store. Call 513-729-1950 for store locations. Monetary donations to LINKS are also accepted.

For more information on LINKS or to make a monetary donation, call the CCM External Relations Office at 513-556-2100.
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University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music
EVENT DETAILS

March 7 & 8, 2009
LINKS Collection Days

Description:
LINKS, which stands for Lonely Instruments for Needy Kids, is a “recycling program” for musical instruments. They are collected, refurbished, and placed into the hands of Cincinnati-area students who may otherwise not be able to buy, rent or borrow instruments of their own. At LINKS Collection Days, the public is invited to donate new or used instruments to the program.

Dates & Times:
Saturday, March 7 ~ 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sunday, March 8 ~ 12 p.m.–5 p.m.

Location:
Joseph-Beth Booksellers, 2692 Madison Road (Rookwood Pavilion, Hyde Park)

Event Partners:
LINKS is a project of the CCM Alumni Board of Governors with support from Buddy Roger’s Music, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, and media partners CityBeat, 90.9 WGUC and 91.7 WVXU.

For additional information:
CCM External Relations Office, 513-556-2100