A recently formed non-profit, Broken Strings, Inc., is carrying out a goal of bringing an acoustic guitar to every middle school in Iowa. One of the organizers, Scott Kirkhart, says this came about in an effort keep fine arts alive in our schools after a friend and former band mate was diagnosed with stage four non-hodgkin’s lymphoma during the pandemic.
Ernst lost his battle last November, but Kirkhart says he is dedicated to keeping the promise he made to his friend. They are soliciting help from band directors across the state to bring the gift of music to kids who will get the most benefit.
To date, they have raised enough for 40 to 45 guitars. The first is to be given out next week and Kirkhart explains where they go from there.
Through agreements with Rieman Music of Fort Dodge, Ray’s Midbell Music in Sioux City and West Music Company out of Iowa City, he can purchase high-quality Alvarez guitars with a gig bag for $150 each. They are also seeking used guitar strings from area musicians as a means to raise money. Cindy Heuton of Carroll, who serves as secretary on the Broken Strings board, had an idea.
Kirkhart says when he presents that first guitar, it will be very emotional and heartwarming and he is positive there will be some tears shed on that day. The next fundraiser will be Saturday, March 27 at the Fort Museum in Fort Dodge. A free-will donation will get you in to hear some of the best musicians from the area. They also have a Venmo account set up to take donations and people are invited to check out their Facebook page to learn more about the initiative and the ways they can help out. Details for all of these can be found below, along with a link to the full interview with Kirkhart.
Venmo: brokenstrings4ia@venmo
Email: brokenstrings4ia@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brokenstrings4ia
https://www.1380kcim.com/episode/kcim-interview-scott-kirkhart-with-broken-strings-initiative/
