Re: I Need a Favor
That's a good idea, Richard. Try reaching out to musicians and others around Williamsburg, especially seniors. You may reach donors in your area through Mandolin Cafe, but we're a widespread bunch. Many of us aren't even in your country.
Some years ago, I asked a young neighbour, of 13 or 14, whether he was still playing guitar. He told me that since he entered high school, he no longer had access to a loaner. He still wanted to play guitar, but his parents had low incomes. I asked them if they'd accept a guitar if I could find one for him. I then went to my music group, all folks over 55, mostly living comfortably, and asked them to inquire around for unused guitars. One woman immediately offered a guitar of her own that she no longer played. The lad's parents were able to put enough money aside to pay for lessons. It was a fine instrument, and the young man is finishing university (first in his family) and still playing. My point is that many of us buy or receive an instrument , experiment with it, and then decide it's not for us or perhaps we eventually upgrade. Thousands of guitars especially are sitting unused in homes (and look at all the inquiries here about old mandolins found after people die). If you send out emails, talk to your friends, neighbours, and acquaintances, they may be happy to pass instruments on to a good cause, even ones that don't need repairs. Good luck with your project.
Added: Another idea would be to approach local media -- radio stations, newspapers, community newspapers (The North Williamsburg Shopper or whatever) -- and ask them to do a piece on your project. They're often looking for interesting filler and feel-good news.
Last edited by Ranald; Nov-26-2020 at 7:20pm.
Robert Johnson's mother, describing blues musicians:
"I never did have no trouble with him until he got big enough to be round with bigger boys and off from home. Then he used to follow all these harp blowers, mandoleen (sic) and guitar players."
Lomax, Alan, The Land where The Blues Began, NY: Pantheon, 1993, p.14.
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