Originally published in The Clarinet 51/3 (June 2024).

Copies of The Clarinet are available for ICA members.

Spotlight on ICA Instrument Donation
Program Recipients

by Jessica Harrie

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the ICA introduced an instrument donation program. To date, we have received a total of 75 instruments ranging from student models to professional-level instruments. These clarinets were in varied condition and the ICA has partnered with repair technicians across the United States to bring the instruments back to playable condition. These clarinets have been repaired by Lisa’s Clarinet Shop, Mike Lomax of Lomax Classic, Sean Wahl from Buffet Crampon, and Glen Sargent from Second Wind Music.

We are pleased to introduce three new recipients in this issue.

The ICA received a clarinet donation from Elizabeth House in January. This instrument was sent to Serenity Carson, a student at Denison High School in Denison, Texas. Serenity had this to say about receiving this donated instrument:

“I want to let you know how much I appreciate you donating this clarinet to me. It truly helps me reach my goals faster. I have big dreams of going to Julliard and being a professional musician. I have been playing clarinet since my sixth-grade year and the longer I play it, the more I love it! I used to tell myself that I would never find anything I would be good at or love, and then I found clarinet—and instantly wanted it to be my life. The clarinet you are giving to me will always be an important part of my life, because it is showing me the kindness of other people and helping me to further my career.”

Serenity Carson

The ICA received a donation from Miles DeCastro at North Country Winds. This instrument was sent to Sofia Paramo, a student at James Terry Middle School in Mesquite, Texas, and a student of James Marshall. Sofia had this to say about the ICA’s Instrument Donation Program:

“First, I would like to say thank you for the opportunity to receive a new clarinet. I was excited to start band in middle school. I’ve enjoyed the excitement band has given me and to learn the beautiful sound of the clarinet. Music runs in my family and hearing my grandfather play an instrument and also sing made me more interested to learn about band and music…Truly band has given me so much enjoyment from the amazing sound when all the instruments come together and unite to make an amazing song. Once again, thank you for considering me for this awesome opportunity.”

Sofia Paramo

The ICA received a donation from Fred Grunwald. This instrument was sent to Evelyn Bailon, a senior at Eagleville School in Eagleville, Tennessee. Evelyn is a student of Nicholas Thomas and will be attending Middle Tennessee State University in the fall to study with Dr. Todd Waldecker. She had this to say about the ICA’s Instrument Donation Program:

“I’ve always had an interest in the clarinet; it all started when I was just a little kid. I grew up watching SpongeBob and when Squidward would come out playing a clarinet, it always fascinated me. I just knew that one day, I would play it, too. When I had the opportunity to try to play it, I didn’t hesitate to take it…To this day, I have never once looked back and regretted my decision in choosing the clarinet…This new clarinet means so much to me, and I am more than grateful for it. I love that I have the chance to carry this new instrument with me through all my rough and good days. Whenever I need to distract myself from life, I always pick up my clarinet; it just calms me. This new clarinet will be my new way of finding peace in my life when I need it the most. Thank you so much to the International Clarinet Association for my new clarinet!”

Evelyn Bailon

We are immensely grateful for the support for this program and hope that we can continue to help provide instruments for students in need. If you would like to donate a clarinet, sheet music, or clarinet accessories as part of the ICA Instrument Donation Program, or if you know a student that would benefit from this program, please contact ICA Executive Director Jessica Harrie at [email protected].

You can also support this program through a donation to the ICA’s Centennial Fund at clarinet.org/giving/donate.