GiVE AN INSTRUMENT – BUiLD A MUSiCiAN
Placing instruments in the hands of students. Changing lives note by note.
INSTRUMENTS and COUNTING!
Since day one, JAZZ HOUSE KiDS has put 1,223 quality instruments into the hands of young musicians—removing the single largest barrier to participation. Each instrument unlocks opportunity, creativity, and confidence, giving students the tools they need to learn, perform, and progress into JAZZ HOUSE programs and beyond.
Why This Program Matters
For too many talented kids, the music stops before it starts—simply because they can’t afford an instrument. GiVE AN INSTRUMENT – BUiLD A MUSiCiAN changes that. We make sure talent—not finances—determines opportunity, equipping students with play-ready instruments, hands-on support, and pathways to year-round JAZZ HOUSE programming.
When students have their own instruments, they:
- Join the band—and stay there.
- Practice with pride at home.
- Step confidently into rehearsals, concerts, and auditions.
- Build the foundation for a lifelong love of music.
How We Make It Happen
- ACCESS – We partner with band directors to target real classroom needs.
- LEARNING – We place instruments and provide sectionals + masterclasses to jump-start progress.
- COMMUNITY – We maintain instruments, track impact, and connect students to JAZZ HOUSE programs in Montclair.
This Year’s Focus
- Elizabeth Public Schools – Instrument placements + masterclasses that feed into JAZZ HOUSE ensembles.
- Chessie Dentley Roberts Academy (Middle School) – Sectionals and support for a fast-growing music program.
- Elizabeth High School – Advanced coaching for concerts and competitions—a pipeline to our top big bands.
- JAZZ BUS Access – Weekly transportation bridging schools to JAZZ HOUSE year-round programs.
Impact You Can See
- Students join and remain in the band because they have reliable instruments.
- Ensembles improve tone, intonation, and readiness for concerts and festivals.
- Young musicians advance into pre-college ensembles, summer workshops, and leadership roles.
- Schools report stronger recruitment and retention—especially among beginners.
Community Partnerships
This work is successful because of educators, families, donors, and partners. Together, we identify needs, activate resources, and lift entire music programs.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT AND MUSICIAN OF DISTINCTION: KAYLA ON TRUMPET
Kayla was a JAZZ HOUSE NYC Student, who is now enrolled at New Jersey City University studying Jazz Performance. A student like her, who has been showing up for her
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: MIGUEL ON BARITONE SAXOPHONE
Miguel, a longtime JAZZ HOUSE student, dreamed of studying music education—but did not own his own horn. Thanks to GIVE AN INSTRUMENT, Miguel received a baritone saxophone, paving the way
Your Support at Work
- $250–$500 – Method books, reeds, sticks, and essential supplies.
- $750–$1,500 – Partial instrument grant (clarinet, trumpet, alto sax).
- $1,500+ – Full instrument grant (tenor/bari sax, double brass).
- Maintenance & Repairs – Keeps every horn singing year after year.
Ready to Change a Life?
Help us put more instruments into the hands of more young musicians. Your gift ensures every student can play, practice, and perform with pride.
✅ Fund an instrument
✅ Sponsor a school
✅ Underwrite repairs
Want to make a bigger impact?
Contact us to discuss naming opportunities, school partnerships, or in-kind instrument donations.
We thank our longstanding partner
RS Berkeley Musical Instruments for their enthusiastic support.
PLACING INSTRUMENTS IN THE
HANDS OF KiDS!
JAZZ HOUSE KiDS’ GIVE AN INSTRUMENT – BUILD A MUSICIAN PROGRAM provides students in under-resourced New Jersey public schools with newly donated instruments so they can participate in their school bands, and attend masterclasses with our professional jazz musicians and educators.
Currently, we are partnering with the Paterson Public Schools to establish the JAZZ HOUSE Music Scholars Program at the Senator Frank R. Lautenberg School, the first music program in the school for more than a decade.
For more than a decade the Give an Instrument ~ Build a Musician program has been putting instruments in the hands of kids. We thank our program underwriters, Janet Shapiro and Phillip Byrd, along with many other generous individual donors for their kind support.
PASS ON YOUR UNUSED INSTRUMENTS
