Veteran Austin musician and band director David Cross wanted to share his passion for musical education with the young students in the communities of Colonias Solidaridad, Solferina and Los Angeles served by Austin Helps Honduras. AHH board members quickly jumped on board with David’s plan to raise money to purchase instruments and ship them to Juticalpa in time for the start of the 2024 school year. Thanks to David’s contacts and a well-supported fundraiser, Project Noteworthy raised nearly $10,000 and received nearly 100 donated instruments. Along with purchases of new and gently used instruments, David was able to send the following instruments and supplies to Juticalpa:
- 19 flutes
- 20 clarinets
- 12 alto saxophones
- 20 trumpets
- 17 trombones
- 2 baritones
- 4 snare drums
- 2 tenor drums
- 2 keyboards
- 20 pairs of drumsticks
- 70 reeds for clarinets and saxophones
- 1 repair kit
- 2 teacher manuals
- An assortment of valve oils, cork grease and cleaning supplies
David and his crew of volunteers carefully packed the instruments, then drove them from Austin to Houston, where they were loaded onto a cargo ship and delivered to Juticalpa. During AHH’s annual Education Celebration trip to the city in January 2024, David unpacked the instruments and helped distribute them to a group of very excited students. He also met with music teachers at the local schools.
There’s little to no budget for musical instruments in Juticalpa’s underfunded schools, and the few existing instruments are shared by many students. Project Noteworthy opens a new realm of possibilities for students to learn to play orchestral music on a variety of newer instruments. Who knows where the spark of a love for music will lead some of these youngsters?
AHH and David look forward to expanding the program with help from donors and sponsors.
