Individuals and businesses in the community can support student musicians in junior and senior high through Apache Junction Unified School District’s newly launched “Adopt an Instrument” program.

Donations will be used to repair broken equipment and pay for new instruments for students at Cactus Canyon Junior High School, 801 W. Southern Ave. and Apache Junction High School, 2525 S. Ironwood Drive, both in Apache Junction.

“The stock of our instruments at the junior high and high school are very old and in need of repair,” said Bill Danser, a music teacher at CCJH and AJHS. “Both the junior and high school also need some new larger/background instruments such as sousaphones, tubas, French horns and baritone sax which are important in marching band, but are often too expensive for parents to buy or rent.”

The enhancements are part of an overall emphasis on improving student learning.

Numerous studies indicate that children who receive musical training in school benefit from improved language development, score higher in mathematics, help in the development of spatial and fine motor skills, boosts confidence, teaches disciple and ignites different areas of the brain to improve overall learning.

Also, according to the article, “Important Benefits of Music in Our Schools” updated by the National Association for Music Educators in 2021, students who participate in school band and orchestra have better attendance records and are less likely to abuse drugs later in life.

Tax-deductible donations can be mailed or dropped off to the AJUSD District Office 1575 W. Southern Ave. in Apache Junction. Checks should be made out to AJUSD Adopt an Instrument program.

Registration is being accepted at AJHS, CCJH, Desert Vista Elementary School, Four Peaks Elementary School and Peralta Trail Elementary School. For information, go to ajusd.org or follow the district on social media.