Minco Public School Band Program Playing Sad Song without Instruments

By Jacqueline Sit, NEWS 9

MINCO, Oklahoma -- Dozens of students in Minco Public Schools are singing the blues because the band program has no musical instruments.

Band is a required class for fifth graders in the school district, but dozens of students are going to class empty handed because of a $200,000 revenue shortfall.  

"Our band program teaches grades 5 to 12 and the instruments we do have are designated to the older kids," said Kelli Morrison, the band program director of Minco Public Schools.

The students say they have nothing to do in class but take notes and clap along.  The band program desperately needs the public's help.

"We're in the best need for brass instruments, trombones and trumpets," said Morrison.  "And also in the woodwind world we need a little.  We need about two or three saxophones."

The Minco band program is looking for 60 used instruments. 

Donors should write out their name, address and phone number on a piece of paper, and put it in the case when they make their donation.  A third-party appraiser will evaluate the instrument and send donors a tax-deductible receipt for the retail value.

All donations can be dropped off at any Minco Public School Office. For more information, call Kelli Morrison at (405) 352-4377.