by Davy James, Staff Writer
For many children, the chance to play music and to develop their creativity are valuable building blocks for their development.
Many families, however, find that spending the money on an instrument is difficult, which is why Judy Walters is collecting used instruments.
”My daughter played drums at Crossroads Middle School but decided to stop,” Ms. Walters, of Kendall Park, said. “So I called the music teacher at Greenbrook Elementary and talked to the music teacher who said they have a student who wanted to play drums, but couldn’t afford it.”
Thus, the Instrument Bank program was born through the Greenbrook School Site Council. As a former president of Greenbrook’s PTO, Ms. Walters said she spent a lot of time in the school.
”I have two kids in the district and we have such a strong music program in South Brunswick so I thought it would be great to help bring music to everyone,” Ms. Walters said. “This program is my baby. I’ve put up fliers and sent e-mails, so hopefully families with kids who stopped playing their instruments or moved on to a different activity will contact us.”
Thus far, Ms. Walters said the Instrument Bank has collected more than two dozen instruments, including flutes, trumpets, trombones, drums and violins. Currently, she has 10 instruments, which she stores in her basement. The rest have been placed.
Once a week, Ms. Walters contacts music teachers throughout the district to find out if there are any students in need.
”Kids who can’t afford instruments have to play whatever extras the school has, so they may not play what really interests them,” Ms. Walters said. “Then, when they leave that school, the instrument stays. These instruments (from the bank) the kids get to keep so they can develop their love.”
Ms. Walters arranges to pick up donated instruments. She said she doesn’t want to know anything about the child or family the instrument is going to. That is decided by the music teacher, who identifies the students in need of help by whether they are on free or reduced lunch and have expressed a desire for an instrument.
”The music teachers have a good sense of where the need is because they talk to the parents and teach the kids,” Ms. Walters said. “We live in such a unique community with some wealthy families in million-dollar houses and some families who are struggling to put food on the table. This program helps level the playing field and gives less fortunate kids hope.”
Ms. Walters was recently contacted by a woman in Mississippi who asked for her help to start a similar program in her community. Ms. Walters said the program has so many merits because of the advantages music brings to child development.
”Studies show how music education helps students develop, especially in math,” she said. “Having their own instrument lets kids from families who are having trouble be part of the group. Music helps bring people together and everyone should get that chance.”
For those interested in donating an instrument, e-mail Ms. Walters at [email protected].

