The members of the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra feel that music should be available to everyone, regardless of their circumstances. Our Children’s Instrument Recovery Program (ChIRP) accepts donations of gently used musical instruments, ensures that they are in working order, and then loans the instruments to students who would otherwise be unable to afford to rent or buy an instrument. Recent budget cutbacks and the Covid-19 pandemic have made programs like ChIRP even more vital than ever before; every child deserves the chance to experience the joy and sense of connection that playing an instrument gives.
The BSO ChIRP program serves students through high school in South Central Indiana, including Monroe and surrounding counties
To request an instrument, fill out the Instrument Request Form
(This form must be filled out with the help of the parent or guardian.)
We have all the usual band and orchestra instruments: violin, viola, and cellos of all sizes, flute, clarinet, oboe, alto and tenor saxes, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone, percussion, and more. While we generally loan to beginning musicians, we do have some instruments suitable for higher level students. Children must 18 or under, and either enrolled in a school music program or signed up for private lessons so they understand how to take care of the instrument. Each instrument is loaned for one year, giving students the opportunity to get familiar with the instrument and allowing families time to save money to rent or buy their own instrument the following year.
To give an instrument, fill out the Instrument Donor Form
If you have a used musical instrument that you’re no longer playing, make a tax deductible donation of that instrument to the Orchestra. We’ll make sure it is in a playable condition, then we’ll lend it to a student who might otherwise be unable to afford to participate in their school music program. Thank you for making a real difference in a child’s life!
Don’t have a used instrument? Don’t worry – we take monetary donations, too! Click here to donate online or send us a check. Please denote if you would like your donation to earmarked specifically for ChIRP.
For any questions about ChIRP, email us at chirp@bloomingtonsymphony.com, or leave a message for ChIRP at the BSO office 812-369-4212.
“My daughter Sofia really wanted to learn the flute. She is already taking violin, so the extra cost for another instrument rental I wasn’t sure she would stick with made me hesitant. She told me her violin teacher said she could borrow one from where she worked. We were excited to learn from Audrey Williams that we could borrow the flute at no cost. I am very glad my daughter, because of CHIRP, could further explore her musical interest. Thank you!”
“I couldn’t believe that Charlie would be allowed to bring home this beautiful violin to practice on… I can’t tell you how incredible I think this program is! I feel my son and I have truly been blessed to live in Bloomington, a city that sees music as a way for a child to be part of a community. My son is not a jock, he’s not a brainiac, he’s not the most popular, but he does light up when he plays the violin.”
Lucas Nelson Marvell of Bloomington String Instruments repairs stringed instruments for ChIRP. To contact Lucas Marvell for your own String repairs/ bow rehairs, contact Lucas at: bloomingtonstrings@gmail.com OR 812-946-2313
www.bloomingtonstrings.com