The Northshore Schools Foundation receives Daniel V. and Ida J. McEachern Charitable Trust grant to support providing musical instruments to students for use in their school music program.
Many students who have the desire and talent to participate in music programs are often excluded due to the expense of renting or purchasing instruments. The Daniel V and Ida J McEachern grant will bring music to at least 30 students who will be able to participate in music because they will have access to instruments.
Since 2018, the Northshore Schools Foundation has been partnering with Northshore Music Partners and Music 4 Life, another local nonprofit, to provide instruments to students wanting to participate in orchestra or band but who could not afford an instrument of their own. This partnership has resulted in over a dozen students being able to participate more fully. The great thing about kids getting instruments is that they have immediate access to all of the benefits of participating in music. Participating in music improves language skills, enhances memory and hand to eye coordination. Children studying music also learn leadership and teamwork skills.
Participation increases resilience, creative expression and even has positive effects on self-esteem. Access to music education is essential” said Patsy Treece program founder and Foundation President.
Last year the Foundation board decided to build this program and take it on as a part of their mission. Ten instruments were delivered to students in August, and nine instruments are being processed right now.
The community is encouraged to donate used instruments all year round to support this effort. This February we received a full circle donation… the first person to receive a donated instrument in 2018, donated 2 clarinets back to the program. So the program has kept on giving.
“People who donate their previously loved instruments get great joy knowing that they are passing on something they loved so much to someone else who may also benefit from playing the instruments. Last month we received a flute from a woman who shared that she played that flute all through her teenage years. When she had a bad day, or was experiencing teenage angst, she could retreat to her room and play her flute, where she found solace. She was so delighted to pass that instrument on to someone else who could use it to support them through similar situations, “ Treece shared
The Northshore Schools Foundation recently received a $5,000 grant from the Daniel V. and Ida J. McEachern Charitable Trust. This grant award will offset the total cost of a district-wide Instrument Refurbishment program to enable elementary students to participate in music programs. Virtually all funding from this grant will be directly allocated to the cost of refurbishing a variety of donated instruments.
Daniel V. and Ida J. McEachern Charitable Trust
provides funds exclusively for capital funding of youth agencies serving children under the age of 18, where the purpose is to give a better start in life, both physically and mentally, to all children since 1969.
Northshore Schools Foundation
The Northshore Schools Foundation is a local 501 (c)(3) local non-profit charity that serves students, and teachers in the Northshore School District located in the communities of Bothell, Kenmore, Woodinville. The Foundation is funded solely by private contributions and operates separately from the Northshore School District.
We are most proud of our efforts to enrich the educational experience for students, supporting teachers, and making a meaningful contribution to public education and the community. The Foundation has granted over $3 million dollars to our schools, funding programs, and resources that benefit every student, nearly every day during their school career.
We are honored to have been voted “Best Local Non-profit” in the Best of Northshore three times; to have received the “Top-Rated” classification from Great Non-Profits and; to be a “Gold Participant” on Guidestar.
Our Mission is to raise funds and build community partnerships that enhance and inspire learning potential, remove barriers, and build skills for life, thereby amplifying District priorities for student and teacher education and excellence.