Rayne High Band presented ‘Instruments A Comin’ award

On Tuesday, Feb. 10, during a students of the Rayne High School Band were surprised to learn they were the recipients of a donation from the Tipitina's Foundation.
Rayne High is the first in the Lafayette region and 95th school in the state to receive a donation since the formation of the foundation.
Protecting and preserving Louisiana’s musical culture, the Tipitina's Foundation donated $60,000 worth of band instruments during the 1 p.m. Tuesday afternoon ceremonies held in the Rayne High band room.
Instruments listed among the donation include:
• set of four timpani (drums);
• a 4.3 octave marimba on field frame;
• a 3.0 octave vibraphone on field frame;
• four convertible contra tubas;
• two concert baritones; and
• two marching baritones.
The “Instruments A Comin’ Award” donation to Rayne High School Band was made possible by the Nancy F. Link Foundation. The Tipitina's Foundation is honored to be able to work with the Nancy F. Link Foundation and others to provide needed instruments and supplies from schools across the state of Louisiana.
Because of Nancy Link’s generosity and commitment, Rayne High students have joined the many students around the state ensured to have access to a quality music education that will prepare them for future opportunities in college and later in life.
Ms. Link was in attendance Tuesday for the official presentation of the musical instruments. She was joined by Emily Menard, Tipitina's Foundation Program Manager.
Also welcoming the Rayne High donation was RHS Principal Wendal Prudhomme, Acadia Superintendent John E. Bourque, and School Board member David LaLande, a Rayne High band alumni.
The program was opened and closed with musical performances presented by the 2014-2015 Rayne High Band.
The “Instruments A Comin’ Program” strives to increase youth participation in music programs by providing new and refurbished instruments to area school band programs. IAC is an ongoing effort that has placed more than $2.7 million worth of instruments in more than 80 Louisiana schools and after school band programs.
Tipitina’s Foundation supports Louisiana’s irreplaceable music community and preserves the state’s unique musical cultures. The Foundation grew out of the Tipitina’s music venue, a revered New Orleans cultural icon that continues to be instrumental in the development and promotion of Louisiana music around the world.
Tipitina’s Foundation promotes childhood music education, the professional development of adult musicians, and the increased profile and viability of Louisiana music as a cultural, educational, and economic resource.
The “Instruments A Comin’ Program” increases youth participation by providing quality instruments to school music programs. Instruments A Comin’ is an ongoing program now in its thirteenth year and has placed more than $3 million dollars worth of musical instruments in over 95 Louisiana school music programs.
Most schools are in need of instruments; however, the schools the foundation seeks out are guided by exemplary band directors. Upon selecting a recipient school, the Tipitina’s Foundation works closely with each band director, who is ultimately responsible for the success and improvement of the school’s music program. The Foundation also plays a leading role in assisting band directors throughout the state by providing necessary resources to their schools.
Tripitina’s procures the instruments at a deeply discounted rate from the New Orleans Music Exchange, an instrument vendor, and Jupiter Band Instruments. The discounted cost of each instrument allows the Tipitina’s Foundation to leverage its purchase to increase the total number of instruments donated.
Tipitina’s Foundation seeks interested parties to enhance the net yields of Instruments A Comin’ with matching grants, in-kind contributions, and cash donations.
Anyone interested in hosting a fundraiser, for this or any of our programs, or by making a donation, please e-mail foundation@tipitinas.com.