EASTHAMPTON — After accepting a $7,643 donation at the start of the school year, the Easthampton Band Boosters have been able to help supply students with instruments and equipment as they prepare for performances this winter.
On Sept. 6, the group, which focuses on funding for the White Brook Middle School bands and Easthampton High School concert band and chorus, accepted the donation from Easthampton Rotary Club.
Treasurer and co-president of the band boosters organization, Audrey Hyvonen, is a parent of two students who play French horn, clarinet and trumpet in the high school and middle school bands.
Hyvonen said the donation increases the accessibly of instruments and “maximizes learning.”
Using the donation, Hyvonen said the schools’ music program was able to purchase instruments such as a jazz guitar, bass drum, cord piano, three digital pianos as well as other equipment including a set of 10-inch traveling speakers and music stand carts.
The equipment is housed at the middle school and accessible for all students in the music program.
“We have really high numbers of students involved in the music program,” she said. “It gives a really huge boost in knowing we have a supportive community.”
With the additional pianos, more students can practice at once, Hyvonen said. The music stand carts allow students to move music stands more efficiently and from the practice space to the stage.
The music program will host upcoming concerts on Dec. 14 at 6 p.m. at White Brook Middle School and Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. at Easthampton High School.
Caitlin Ashworth can be reached at cashworth@gazettenet.com.