Area schools are fortunate to receive donations from residents, businesses and organizations that benefit students in various ways.
We were reminded of that fact when we learned about a Concord Township couple’s contribution to LaMuth Middle School.
Steve and Sue Braunfield recently honored Sue’s late brother by providing instruments to band students in need, The News-Herald’s Bryson Durst reported.
The Braunfields visited LaMuth, which is located in Concord Township, on Sept. 17 to donate six instruments in honor of Frank G. Sprentz Jr.
Band teacher Jim Swislocki and a group of seventh-grade student ambassadors accepted the instruments on the Riverside district school’s behalf.
The collection of instruments includes a flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone and percussion kit. Swislocki said that students are introduced to those instruments at LaMuth.
“It’s really rewarding when people in the community are able to help out students who have the drive and the passion, but they just don’t have the means,” Swislocki said. “So, this will really make a difference in some kids’ lives, every single year that these instruments are here.”
Steve said that after one student moves on, the instrument will stay with the district to go to the next student in need.
The Braunfields started raising funds to donate instruments after Sprentz died last year at the age of 73. Sue said that he was a songwriter, singer and drummer.
“After he passed, we wanted to do something, just in his memory, his love for music,” she said. “He was a tremendous musician and a very kind, caring guy. And we really wanted to do something to honor him.”
The Braunfields created a GoFundMe campaign and offered to match the donations with what Steve described as “a pretty sizable amount of money.”
They previously gave instruments to schools in Pennsylvania that Sprentz and his family had attended. They donated a total of 23 instruments.
The instruments or cases include engravings honoring Sprentz. Sue said that he will be “remembered forever.”
“It’s our pleasure to do this,” Steve said. “Sue’s brother would have really appreciated all the things that are happening for children in the music program, so this was a big deal.”
Swislocki invited the Braunfields to come for recognition at the school’s May 4 band concerts.
The News-Herald also would like to take this opportunity to applaud the Braunfields for their generous donation of these musical instruments.