Alexis Schindler
Staff writer
All Campus Sing is not only an event for entertainment purposes, it also gives back to the Murray community through an instrument drive.
“The organizers encourage participants and spectators to bring old musical instruments to the show, which are then donated to area grade school music programs,” according to the Murray State website.
Keena Creason, the ACS chair for Sigma Alpha Iota, said 10 to 20 instruments are donated every year including keyboards, guitars, flutes, trumpets and several others.
“Some kids are born with the passion to make music, but cannot afford an instrument,” she said. “This is a way for a school to be able to supply a child with an instrument to further their knowledge and experience in the classroom.”
Creason gave an anecdote to describe the situation.
“Think about it this way,” she said. “Picture a writing class with no pencils or paper. Without that, writing is difficult, right? You have to borrow or go buy the supplies that you need. In order for a child to make music like he or she desires to do, they need to be equipped with the proper ‘supplies.’ Think about all of the students who have the talent to be a great musician, but they shy away from their dream because they can’t afford it.”
Creason said through the simple act of donating an instrument, a child will be able to chase their dream with their own instrument to take home and practice with.
Winnie Smee, senior from Cape Girardeau and president of the Murray State Sigma Alpha Iota chapter, said the money raised from ACS entry fees goes to SAI Philanthropies, Inc., to help on a national level while the instrument drive helps on a local level.
“The instrument drive is an essential part of this philanthropy event,” Smee said. “This instrument collection gives us a personal connection to local music programs that can’t afford instruments, and therefore a sense of knowing the good we’re doing right here in our own area.”
Creason also expressed the gratitude those in the chapter have for Don Robertson and the Office of Student Affairs for their continued support as well as the community and students.
“Sigma Alpha Iota was recognized at our recent National Convention as the top donating chapter in the nation for the past triennial,” Creason said. “It’s all thanks to the people in this community and the students who are so loyal to our philanthropy event. We look forward to the future of spreading our love for music.”
