Proctors has collaborated with area organizations to gather musical instrument donations for students in need in the Schenectady School District. Proctors Box Office serves as a drop-off point for all types of instruments as part of the program, Musical Tools for the Schenectady Schools.

Members of the coalition include Schenectady VanCurler Music (located in the Proctors Arcade), Hermies Music Store, Empire State Youth Orchestra, Schenectady Musical Union 85-133 and Success Recording Studios and Production.

The program collects instruments for Schenectady School children who have musical aspirations. The program is two years old and last year’s campaign collected more than 150 instruments.

“There are so many children in Schenectady with musical dreams,” says Steve Weisse, president of Schenectady Friends of Music. “And the need for instruments continues to grow each year. We know there are good quality instruments tucked away in attics and storerooms that are just collecting dust, and we’re hoping to put them to good use.”

Of particular need are wind and brass instruments, including clarinets, flutes, violins and cellos. Proctors is proud to be part of this widespread community effort that works to support instrumental music students in Schenectady schools.