The thing about the Lonely Instruments for Needy Kids (LINKS) program, says Mark Bruggeman, band instructor at School for Creative and Performing Arts, is that LINKS makes it easy for kids to make music.

        It isn't just that LINKS provides instruments — “You can always find an instrument for a kid,” sighs Mr. Bruggeman, “one that needs $100 worth of work.”

        No, says Mr. Bruggeman, it's that LINKS provides instruments “in perfect condition and puts them in children's hands. All the program asks is that kids practice and show up for school. If they do, they keep the instrument all the years they're in school.

        “Instrumental music does wonderful things for kids. When they have to do something every day — and they have to practice — it creates a regimen so many kids lack in their lives.”

        SCPA is among dozens of urban, suburban and rural elementary and middle schools in the Tristate as well as the University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music Preparatory Department, that have received hundreds of used instruments in the 8-year-old LINKS program.

        LINKS will hold its annual used instrument drive from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday at Kenwood Towne Centre. Donated instruments are tax deductible.

        Instruments don't have to be in perfect condition. LINKS co-sponsor Buddy Roger's Music restores, tunes and cleans the instruments before they're added to the program and accepts donations year-round.

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