LINKS: Lonely Instruments for Needy Kids
CCM's Lonely Instruments for Needy Kids program, or LINKS, brings together the desire of young students who want to learn to play an instrument with used instruments that others have no current use for. Through LINKS, you can donate your new or used instrument to a promising young musician who cannot afford to rent or purchase one of their own.

LINKS gathers instruments from throughout the area and then places them with needy children in local elementary, middle and high school bands and orchestras, as well as with students in CCM's Preparatory Department. Qualified students are identified by their school's music teacher, and a LINKS scholarship application is submitted in the student's name. The instrument can be new, used, and even in adequate condition. Buddy Roger's Music generously donates the time to carefully restore, tune and clean each instrument.

In addition to the satisfaction you'll get from knowing that someone will benefit musically from your gift, you can receive a tax deduction for your donation.

Have an instrument that's collecting dust?
Mark your calendars for this year's LINKS Collection Drive:
Saturday, March 7 & Sunday, March 8, 2009
Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Rookwood Pavilion | map

On The Same Page Cincinnati 2009
In February and March 2009, UC, CCM and LINKS serve as proud partners of On the Same Page Cincinnati, a community-wide reading program sponsored by the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County. The idea behind the program is to promote reading and communty dialogues through one book everyone is invited to read together at the same time.

This year's title, The Soloist, is a moving composition that brings new meaning to the concept of "harmony." It's a true story about an extraordinary bond between a journalist and a homeless man named Nathaniel Ayers. Once a promising classical bass student at the Juilliard School, Ayers becomes overcome with schizophrenia and gradually loses his ability to function, but glimpses of his brilliant talent remain.

CCM musicians will perform at select On the Same Page Cincinnati events, where we will also be collecting instruments on behalf of LINKS. Collection dates and locations include:

For more information on LINKS, please call (513) 556-2100.