Mission: It is the mission of instrumental change, inc. To assist in the development and building of music schools and programs, the training of music educators, the development of music curricula and the establishment of a philosophy that reaches out to underdeveloped or distressed areas; inner-city urban neighborhoods; as well as geographically remote and other economically disadvantaged regions. The organization recognizes its services must necessarily include developing unique ways of delivering its educational services, including mobile facilities and classrooms, as well as specialized techniques, methods and materials. It provides musical instruments, sheet music, method books, equipment for instrument repairs, instrument accessories and other music related supplies to programs that deliver music education and the hope that brings t anyone that demonstrates interest and need.
Programs: Exempt purpose achievements:since its inception just prior to the horrific earthquake that devastated haiti - one of the organization's target regions - instrumental change, inc. (ici) has educated over 3,500 children and young adults throughout the united states, south america, africa and the caribbean. It has delivered over 2,500 musical instruments, valued at hundreds of thousands of dollars to students that otherwise would never be able to learn the joy of making music or the hope that springs from its possibilities. When president clinton visited haiti just after the earthquake, it was the voices lifted and song and the orchestra members joyously performing on their instruments that greeted him and demonstrated the passion and hope ici was able to provide. Ici has sponsored and encouraged literally dozens of volunteers - accomplished musicians and educators that have taken the time and expense of reaching out to young people throughout the distressed areas of the us and around the globe on behalf of the organization: the marvelous singing and performing taubl family; the generous wilke family; noted trumpeter, conductor and clinician richard tirk; music professor and noted cellist, james watras; clarinetist and woodwind repair guru, walt nielsen; violinist and conductor, vitalem alriche; instrument repairman and saxophonist alland lamour; noted brass instrument craftsman and repair expert and professor dick hansen; trombonist and educator maria thomson; harpists and educators diane gansauer and joanna cook; translator and guide in haiti remy jean; violinist marie claire; trumpeter and jazz artist jean caze; band director liz matta; retired educator stephen dixon and many, many more to numerous to mention. The program has developed a number of promising musicians that are currently studying in the united states to then continue ici's work in their native countries, including carlot dorve and mackelder saintilus. Musicians and educators, composers and arrangers - the famous and the generous have been gathered by ici to answer the call. In the process, ici has delivered the gift of music and promise of hope.
I have known about Instrumental Change since shortly after the earthquake in 2010. I met the director, Jeanne Pocius, and have been impressed with her work ethic, the numbers and quality of instruments she has brought to give to schools and students in Haiti, and the caliber of volunteers whom she has helped sponsor to come and teach in Haiti.
Though Instrumental Change is small as non-profits go, the 100% effort and investment that is made by the company and those associated with it makes a huge difference here in Haiti.
