A new community initiative announced at the May 25 Highline school board meeting will expand instrumental music education for children in Highline Public Schools.

The Highline Music4Life program (www.HighlineMusic4Life.org) will acquire musical instruments and supplies for eligible elementary students. Working cooperatively with the Highline Schools are the three Rotary clubs located within the district and Music4Life, all non-profit organizations.

"Our goal is to provide every student in the district an opportunity to play a musical instrument, if they want to, regardless of their ability to afford it," says Steve Swank of the Des Moines Rotary Club. "We do this at a time of financial challenge because research shows that students who study instrumental music do better in math, science, history, languages and many other academic disciplines. We believe that, when funding is low, it is time for the community to step-up."

Highline Schools Superintendent John Welch noted, "Music4Life is a great example of how the community is partnering with schools to support our students,

"We are grateful to Rotary for initiating this project. Many children who cannot afford an instrument will now have the opportunity to participate in band. That's especially important in Highline, where more than two-thirds of our students live in poverty."

Highline Music4Life is a community service activity that is Rotary-inspired, but you don't have to be a member of a Rotary club to support it, says David Endicott of Music4Life. "We're very glad to have the support of anyone who understands the immense value of instrumental music in a child's life." He says musical instruments are acquired for Highline Music4Life in two ways.

"Many adults no longer play musical instruments that are gathering dust in their attics and garages," he says. "We gratefully accept those 'lovingly used' instruments, repair them as needed and then donate them to Highline Schools."

Used musical instruments can be dropped-off at Kennelly Keys Music in Southcenter or the KeyBank branch at 22033 Marine View Drive in Des Moines.

"We also buy new musical instruments that the Highline band and orchestra directors tell us they need for eligible young musicians," Endicott added.

Donations also help take care of musical supplies and repairs. Endicott says monetary donations can be made via PayPal accounts or by visiting the www.HighlineMusic4Life.org Website.

Highline Music4Life begins by providing musical instruments to fifth and sixth graders who qualify for the free- and reduced-lunch program. "In special circumstances, we can provide instruments to older children, as well," Endicott says. "Our goal is to enable as many young people to take advantage of these instrumental music opportunities as possible."

"We know that there are students interested in instrumental music but don't have the resources to acquire an instrument," says Stefan Nelson, the school district's new cultural arts specialist. "As a matter of equity, we need to increase the availability of instruments to all of our students, especially for our schools in high poverty areas. With enough new or used instruments, we can increase elementary instrumental music participation significantly."

Currently, 24 percent of all fifth and sixth grade students in the district participate in instrumental music programs. The new initiative intends to increase that number to 40 percent.