Instruments for Kids

Instruments for Kids, a component of the Charlotte Symphony's New American Orchestra campaign, is placing instruments in the hands of students who do not own their own instrument. Critical needs include student-size violins and cellos. The Symphony’s educational activities encompass several different schools and programs throughout the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School district. Instruments will be used to help fill the need of band and orchestra programs at programs within the community.

Remember the exhilarating feeling of playing your first song on a piano, or scratching out a first-grade rendition of Twinkle, Twinkle on a violin? It’s time to offer that opportunity to others. Dust off that old trumpet and do some good!

Passion. Purpose. Potential.  

The Charlotte Symphony and the New American Orchestra campaign are igniting the passion of children by offering a musical purpose and outlet. Help them realize their potential. The need is critical, and donating is simple.

Instrument donations can be made at any Charlotte Symphony concert or at the CSO Ticket Kiosk, located at Two Wells Fargo Center, 301 South Tryon Street. Donors are responsible for assigning a value to the instrument for tax deduction purposes.

For inquiries, please contact Chris Stonnell, CSO Manager of Education, at 704.714.5110 or at chriss@charlottesymphony.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of instrument should I donate?
Instruments for Kids is currently accepting donation of all traditional band and orchestra instruments. Critical needs include student-size violins and cellos.

What types of instruments are not applicable for donation?
Because this program will address the needs of local education programs, we cannot accept electric keyboards, guitars/banjos, drum sets, or instruments that require special transportation at this time. We will accept non-orchestral band instruments, such as saxophones and euphoniums. In certain cases we will be able to accept pianos. For specific instrument inquiries, please contact Chris Stonnellat 704.714.5110.

Where can I donate an instrument?
Drop it off at any CSO Classics series concertor at the CSO Ticket Kiosk, located at Two Wells Fargo Center, 301 South Tryon Street.

Are tax deductions available?
Yes. You are responsible for assigning a value to the instrument and will receive a receipt at the time of donation.

How will my instrument be used?
All instruments will be used in education programs of the Charlotte Symphony, from after-school instruction at Winterfield Elementary to the Youth Orchestra programs.

I haven’t used my trumpet in twenty years; can I still donate it?
Yes! Even instruments in need of some repairs will be accepted.

What size instrument can I donate?
All sizes of orchestral instruments will be accepted, although the need is greatest for student-size violins.

May I designate my donated instrument to a specific program?
Once an instrument is donated, the Charlotte Symphony reserves the right to designate the instrument to the program with the greatest current need.

When can I see my donated instrument in action?
Most of our education concerts are open to the public; you can find information about the concerts on the website. Please join our email club for bi-weekly updates on the Charlotte Symphony’s activities.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR DONATION!