Group collecting instruments to send to Cuba

Group collecting instruments to send to Cuba
10:53 AM, Mar 14, 2012
Written by
Adam Freeman

Pastor Steve Kirby says 1 in 5 Cuban make their living through music.

Lutz, Florida -- A group of musicians from Tampa Bay are collecting
instruments to take to Cuba.

The new or used items, along with supplies like guitar strings and valve
oil, will be shipped to the country in late April.

Steve Kirby, pastor at Idlewild Baptist Church where the donations are
being collected, says many Cubans don't have access to, or can't afford,
the instruments.

"I speak very little Spanish, but it's amazing the amount of
communication you don't need when you use music as a tool," Kirby explained.

He says 1 in 5 Cubans make a living through music, so this makes a huge
difference in their lives.

Kirby tells 10 News he's seen that first-hand on previous trips.

"When he gave her that instrument, she wept. Because it was the best
thing that she had ever received," he says.

So far, they've collected about a dozen instruments, but would like to
receive around 100.

In addition, four people from the church will join about 50 others from
across the U.S. traveling to Cuba to give concerts at several churches.

"This is going to make a really big impact on individuals that have a
love for music," says Danielle Joiner, who will be going on her fourth trip.

Joiner says through gospel and the gift of music, they hope to grab the
attention of kids, who may otherwise be getting into trouble.

"Bringing them character and values that will influence their lives,"
she says.

If you'd like to donate an instrument, you can drop it off at Idlewild
Baptist Church, 18371 N. Dale Mabry, Lutz, FL 33548.

The group also needs help with the cost of shipping the instruments.

Here's a list of what's needed:

In order or priority:

Electric keyboard (8 octaves)
Complete Drum Set
Electric Bass guitar
Electric guitar
Percussion: congas, bongos, maracas, claves, jam block and Chinese
box, guiro, triangle, tamborine, eggs, Chambellan. Castanets
for orchestra.
Acoustic guitar
Alto Saxophone
Horn
Tenor Saxophone
Flute
Clarinet
Trombone
French horn
Tuba
Saxhorn
Violin
Oboe

Accessories

Reeds for Alto and Tenor Saxophone
Reeds for Clarinet
Lubricants
Oil for brass instruments
Grease for clarinet
Grease for brass
Set of strings for all string instruments including acoustic and
electric guitars and bass electric guitar.
Pads for flutes, saxophones and clarinets (Yamaha)

Sound Equipment

Amplifier
Mixers
Sound Monitors
Microphone
Speakers
Cables

http://www.wtsp.com/news/article/244277/250/Group-collecting-instruments-to-send-to-Cuba