Musically inclined students in Gilroy can toot their own horns –
if they had them. As middle school band enrollment has doubled from
150 to 300 in the last two years, so has the need for
instruments.
Gilroy – Musically inclined students in Gilroy can toot their own horns – if they had them.
As middle school band enrollment has doubled from 150 to 300 in the last two years, so has the need for instruments.
“The population basis has grown here substantially since I’ve been here,” said Tom Brozene, Gilroy Unified School District band director of 21 years. “We’re really scrambling for instruments this year. Even if we picked up maybe around 10 or 15, that’s better than nothing. I still got some kids that are still just kind of sitting there.”
Brozene said a hefty amount of youngsters are getting involved in band at the elementary level. When they reach junior high, “our inventory isn’t ready for that,” he said, underscoring the gargantuan money crunch plaguing school districts statewide.
“I know there’s people in Gilroy that have an instrument sitting around their house,” said Brozene.
For anyone wishing to donate a spare flute, trumpet, saxophone, xylophone – whatever, no generous act will go unappreciated – Brozene is leaving forms for documenting the donations as tax-deductible. Just pay a visit to one of three middle schools and speak with a secretary, he said.
Brozene points out GUSD’s brand program is traditionally strong, dating all the way back to the 1920s. Many years ago, it was rated as the top in California, he said.
“We’ve gotta get inventory up in middle schools,” he observed. “With the budget crunch is, I’m just lucky to have a job right now.”
WHERE TO DONATE AN INSTRUMENT
– Visit any of the following three middle schools in Gilroy and speak with a secretary in administrative offices. Tax deductible forms will be available.
– Brownell Middle School: 7800 Carmel St. Call: (408) 847-3377
– South Valley Middle School: 385 I O0 F Ave. Call: (408) 847-3377
– Ascencion Solorsano Middle School: 7121 Grenache Way. Call: (408) 848-4154
– Email GUSD Band Director Tom Brozene at th************@*********ca.us
