With the first day of school only a month away, hundreds of sixth-graders will want to sign up for band and orchestra. For some students, the price of a new or used instrument prevents them from enjoying the benefits that music making can have on their education. The Kiwanis Club of the Sandhills' answer to this dilemma is the Murphy Musical Instrument Program.

The Murphy Musical Instrument Program was started by its namesake, Robert Murphy, a Kiwanian and local musician who plays regularly at the Carolina Hotel in Pinehurst. In cooperation with Moore County Schools, Arts Council of Moore County and Squire's Pub, the goal of the Murphy Musical Instrument Program is to collect new and used musical instruments and donate them to future Moore County school band and orchestra students free of charge.

There is scientific proof that studying music improves a student's chances of performing at a higher academic level. By collecting donations of new and used instruments through the Murphy Musical Instrument Program, the Kiwanis Club of the Sandhills is making sure that all Moore County students can take advantage of the many benefits music-making offers.

Music not only is beneficial because of its intrinsic value, but music clearly offers a way of learning that can be directly applied to other areas of academics.

"The best way you can help our students now is to look in your attic, closet, or basement for any musical instruments that you can donate to the Kiwanis Club of the Sandhills' Murphy Musical Instrument Program," says a spokesman.

The instruments will be refurbished, if needed, and given to a deserving new music student free of charge.

"If you don't have a used instrument, you can make a cash donation or even purchase a new instrument to be donated," says the spokesman. "Just bring your donations to The Squire's Pub (1720 U.S. 1, Southern Pines) or to the Arts Council of Moore County offices at the Campbell House (482 E. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines). All donations are tax-deductible.

The Kiwanis Club of the Sandhills raises over $40,000 each year that it uses to fund numerous scholarships and projects to enhance life in the Sandhills, primarily for children.

For additional information about the Murphy Musical Instrument Program, contact Chris Dunn at (910) 692-4356.