Small Art Music Projects thanks you for your support with this fundraiser to help replace our stolen instrument collection
Our Instruments Were Stolen
Usually at this time of year we'd be sending out invites to our workshops and concerts. Unfortunately, we have to communicate that the kids musical instrument collection that SAMP uses for its Instrumental Music Introduction Workshops was stolen in mid-January.
Those who have attended SAMP's workshops for the past 7 years in SF know that this collection of musical instruments was special. It was custom tailored to reflect musical cultures from all over the world, and remain easy to use and accessible for kids of all ages to get inspired by. Some of the instruments were even collected from different parts of the world as I traveled internationally for performances.
The replacement cost will run about $5,000 at least, which is why we are sending out this fundraiser note for any who would wish to contribute to our efforts to reconstitute the collection.
What Happened?
The theft of the collection was a felony burglary, according to the SFPD, as it included breaking into private property and then breaking into a secure and locked storage facility in the Mission District of SF. Thankfully, no one was hurt. At this point, we are not expecting the SFPD to find any part of the collection.
This incident is sadly reflective of the unfortunate rise in crime that many SF residents have either experienced first hand, or heard about on the local news in recent years.
Can I Help?
We would be so grateful for any support and donations our community can offer as we build the collection again. DONATE HERE
If you are in the Bay Area and have instruments you would like to donate to the collection, we would be very grateful to talk with you about it. Please reach out! EMAIL ME
Why We're Letting You Know
It felt important to communicate about this for a couple reasons:
1) For those kids/families who have returned many times to class over the years, we want to allow you a chance to choose how you would like to discuss with the kids why the instruments will all be different. Many kids come back seeking out 1 or 2 favorites every time, and kids will notice, of course, that all the old instruments are gone and replaced with different ones.
2) We will use this unfortunate situation as a way to teach about how performing artists practice turning challenge into opportunity on a regular basis, focusing on the age old mantra "the show must go on!"
Moving On
The important perspective to hold in this is that all the stuff is replaceable, but what is irreplaceable are the great experiences that the kids and families have had at our workshops over the years. This is something SAMP is very proud of and is excited to continue.
Although this is the last thing that any small performing arts non-profit needs to deal with right now (along with all the other challenges going on in our industry these days), we hope to turn this situation into an opportunity for growth into an even better collection and experience for kids and their families who attend our workshops.
On the Lighter Side
It did make us smile to think about the fact that the only thing that can be done with those 70+ instruments is for people to enjoy making music with them.
Stealing instruments is easy, but practicing and becoming excellent at an instrument is far harder and more fulfilling. Hopefully that experience awaits those who end up with our collection in their hands!
What's Happening Now?
We had meant to begin hosting classes in February again, but instead we will be focusing on re-opening classes in early April at our new home - Steppin' Out Dance Studio. We'll be using this time to rebuild the instrument collection.
If you’d like to support Small Art Music Projects with this fundraising effort, we’d be honored to accept your tax deductible donation through our PayPal nonprofit donation links above.
Sending you all our heartfelt thanks for your support.
Matt Small
Artistic Director/Founder
Small Art Music Projects