H. Pearce Musical Instrument Drive Provides the Saint Martin de Porres Academy with Much-Needed Instruments

North Haven (October 2010) – From May 17th to May 28th, H. Pearce Company ran a musical instrument drive for the Saint Martin de Porres Academy in New Haven. The drive called for people to donate unwanted instruments and unused supplies (reeds, corks, swabs, etc.). The drive certainly helped the Academy’s Instrumental Music Program as some of the instruments donated included a drum set, clarinets and flutes. H. Pearce Company President and CEO Barbara L. Pearce says, “In this day and age, every child deserves a musical education and H. Pearce was thrilled to be able to help those students in need.”

The Saint Martin de Porres Academy is an independent tuition-free school in the Hill neighborhood of New Haven for children of low-income families. The Academy’s Instrumental Music Program provides students with the opportunity to learn wind or percussion instruments; they must practice each day in school for a half hour. The students put on an annual Christmas concert and an end of the school year concert. They also play at various donor events and other special events throughout the school year. The Academy has the largest contingent of students participating in the All-State Regional Band concert in March. Students are also currently playing in a regional band.

“Music is an integral part of our curriculum,” says Allison Rivera, President of the Academy. “Every student in the building plays an instrument, [and] there are sixty-one students total. All of [the] instruments that we use are [from] donations. We are constantly seeking donations. H. Pearce was wonderful to do a drive for us. The instruments we received will enable our students to play.”

Rivera says that, ideally, Saint Martin de Porres Academy would be able to provide graduating students with instruments. She stresses that the need for instruments (and money for their routine repair and refurbishment) is ongoing.

To make a donation: Allison Rivera, President of Saint Martin de Porres Academy, can be contacted at 203-772-2424, ext. 11, or email: president@saintmartinacademy.org.