Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Arts And Partnerships topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Summit FM donates 14 restored instruments to Akron Public Schools; program renamed to honor a longtime volunteer
Summary
Summit FM’s Music Alive instrument-recycling program marked a milestone: a donation of 14 restored instruments to Akron Public Schools, bringing the district total to 500 instruments and roughly $500,000 in donated value; the program was officially named for retired teacher Marilyn Stroud.
Akron Public Schools recognized Summit FM and its Music Alive instrument-donation program at the Oct. 6 board meeting. Tommy Bruno, general manager of Summit FM, said the station donated 14 restored instruments to the district and marked the recycling program’s milestone, renaming it in honor of retired APS teacher Marilyn Stroud.
Bruno told the board the instrument-recycling program supplies instruments to Akron, Athens and Struthers–Youngstown city schools and said the Summit wants the “lion’s share” of donated instruments to go to Akron students. He said the latest donation — saxophones, snare drums, trombones, trumpets and flutes — brings the district’s total to 500 donated instruments and that the program estimates roughly a half‑million dollars in donated value overall.
The board’s superintendent introduced Bruno and thanked Summit FM’s partners, including Taylor Bandon Orchestra (which handles assessment and repair), Dawn Wilson (APS partnership liaison) and program volunteers. Bruno asked the board and community to consider donating unused instruments and directed interested parties to the station’s program information at @thesummit.fm.
Why it matters: The instrument-donation program supports arts access for students who might face financial barriers to music education and provides restored instruments ready for student use.
Board action: The appearance was recorded as a recognition and request; the transcript does not show a formal motion or vote to accept the donation during the meeting. APS staff present were thanked and asked to facilitate the partnership going forward.
Ending: Summit FM’s Music Alive program will continue collecting and refurbishing instruments for Akron students; the district acknowledged the partnership and said staff will follow up on donation logistics.
