Updated: 9/10/2009 7:53:56 PM
As the economy continues to bear down on families, some area schools are feeling the pinch and seeing the impact on students.
In Powell, the sounds of a middle school band are incomplete because of the job market in East Tennessee.
"I had many students that came in this year that told me that their parents had lost their jobs or their parents had had paycuts, and they just did not have the money to provide an instrument for their child," Powell Middle School Band Director Janet Roach said.
Roach is turning to the community to keep the music going.
"I'm just really hoping that maybe some people in the community might have some instruments that might be in their closets or wherever that they might donate to us for these children to use, so they can still be part of the band."
Roach is worried the lack of band students now will lead to a shortage of talented band members in high school and college. Her cause for concern grew with each student's request for help.
"This year probably about 15," Roach said. "In the past I've had maybe three or four, so we're definitely seeing a difference this year."
Another school feeling the economic impact on students is Lonsdale Elementary. Switching to uniforms to try to ease the cost for parents has still left a need for polos for students.
As fall weather approaches, their greatest need is for long sleeved polos. School officials say short sleeved small (size 6/7)and medium (10/12) polos are also in demand.
Each school is already seeing the community support.
"I got three instruments today in a plastic bag, no cases, but they were usable, and I actually gave them to some kids today, and said, 'Here, you can use this in class,' and they were so excited." Roach said. "The look on the kids' faces when I hand them an instrument is worth every bit of it."
Roach plans to use the instruments to meet the needs of future children each new school year. "I think we'll always see this, we'll always see kids that need instruments, and you know if we can get some into the program that we can use over and over for these kids, next year there will be another set of kids, and we'll have these instruments here for those kids to use to get started on, so they can be part of the band program."
Meanwhile, there are still students sitting and waiting for their chance to play.
"For me, I hate to see a child come up and say 'I really want to be in band, and I just can't,' and it just breaks my heart, so I will do whatever to help these children out," Roach said.
If you would like to donate an instrument to Powell Middle School you can call (865) 938-9008 or email roachjl@k12tn.net.
To donate polo shirts of any color to Lonsdale Elementary you can call (865) 594-1330 or take the shirts to 1317 Louisiana Avenue.
