UC's CCM holds Lonely Instruments for Needy Kids (LINKS) collection drive

Do you have a musical instrument collecting dust? Your gift could provide the missing link for a promising young musician. Through the Lonely Instruments for Needy Kids (LINKS) program at the University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music (CCM), you can donate your used instrument to a promising young musician who cannot afford to rent or purchase their own.

CCM holds its annual LINKS Collection Days this weekend at the Joseph-Beth Booksellers in the Rookwood Pavilion. The hours for the collection drive are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, March 9, and noon-5 p.m. Sunday, March 10.

A project of CCMpower in partnership with Buddy Roger’s Music, Joseph-Beth Booksellers and WGUC 90.9 FM, LINKS began in 1993 as the brainchild of CCM alumnus Bill Harvey (BM, Music Education, '71). The Vice President of Buddy Roger’s Music, Harvey wanted to fill the need for students whose parents were unable to buy, rent or borrow an instrument. The solution was somewhat simple: a “recycling program” for musical instruments.

LINKS accepts donations of new and used instruments from the Greater Cincinnati community, then places them with students in local elementary, middle and high school bands and orchestras, as well as with students in CCM Preparatory and Community Engagement programs. Students are qualified by the recommendation of their music teacher, and a LINKS scholarship application is submitted in the student’s name.

Since its inception, LINKS has placed over 3,000 instruments into the hands of children. Even if the instrument is not in perfect condition, donations are gladly accepted. Buddy Roger’s Music generously contributes the time to carefully clean, restore and tune each instrument.

Entertainment during the collection will be provided by local music students of all ages.

If you do not have an instrument, you can still assist young musicians who need a helping hand by making a contribution to the LINKS fund at ccm.weshareonline.org/LINKS.

In addition to the March 9 and 10 collection days, instruments are accepted year-round at Buddy Roger’s Music. Call 513-729-1950 for information on store hours and locations.

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Story by CCM Graduate Student Jonathan Dellinger