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WACO sixth-grader surprised with guitar from Broken Strings
A nonprofit’s mission to put guitars in every Iowa school district hits the right note with an emotional surprise for one young music lover.
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
WAYLAND — Carter Roberts thought he was in trouble when he was pulled out of class this week. Instead, he walked into the band room at WACO Elementary and was handed a brand-new guitar — a surprise gift from Broken Strings, a nonprofit organization dedicated to keeping the spirit of music alive by giving guitars to students across Iowa.
“We found out the night before from the band teacher,” said Carter’s mother, Jenifer Roberts. “Mr. Peck nominated Carter because ‘He has been a pleasure to work with! His music aptitude is high! His attitude is amazing! And as far as being respectful goes, he's at the top!’”
The surprise unfolded during 5th grade band rehearsal.
“We did not tell Carter that he was receiving this so it was a surprise,” Jenifer said. “When he got home, he told us about the experience! He thought he was in trouble when they asked him to go down to the band room with Mrs. Settles and Mrs. Shelman. Once there, he found out he was chosen to receive the guitar from Broken Strings. They were currently having 5th grade band — they all clapped for him.”
The moment was emotional for Carter and his family alike.
“I was so excited that he gave Mr. Peck a hug! He stated that he was so happy he could cry!” Jenifer said. “He has been taking such great care of it. We are working on getting him a book to help him play. He now has new dreams for JH band — he wants to play his violin and trumpet now with the addition of the guitar.”
Carter’s father, Dustin Roberts, said his son’s excitement has only grown since the surprise.
“He was super excited to receive the guitar and it was a surprise to him,” Dustin said. “He wants to play the guitar, violin and the trumpet next year. Like I said, he was super excited for the award. He’s been trying to learn how to play the guitar and reading books so he can get better at it.”
Broken Strings was founded by Iowa country musician Scott Kirkhart with a simple mission: to give away a guitar to one student in each of Iowa’s 367 school districts every year. The organization relies on local ambassadors and school nominations to identify students who show a passion for music but may not otherwise have access to an instrument.
“As an older musician, it's our duty to raise the next generation of musicians up,” Kirkhart said. “Watching the kids, and the way they light up, who knows, maybe we're going to spark the next Garth Brooks or Taylor Swift, or, we don't know. So let's find out, right?”
The group was created to ensure that music remains accessible and alive, especially in communities where resources may be limited. The nonprofit also hosts fundraising events like its upcoming “Strokes for Strings” golf outing, scheduled for June 14 at Carroll National Golf Course. Backed by the Nick Nurse Foundation, the event will feature live music, a charity auction, and matching donation funds — all to support instrument giveaways like Carter’s.
The guitar was delivered thanks to WACO parent Adam Klett, who recently became an ambassador for Broken Strings, and his twin brother Lee Klett, a Southeast Iowa musician with the band The Boys. Lee, who has helped give guitars to students across the region, emphasized that they work hard to match instruments with kids who will truly benefit.
“We’re not just like randomly throwing them [guitars] at kids,” Lee said. “We're trying to find a kid we think will actually be interested. Most schools value sports more than they value music, but sports can only take you so far. Music is something you can do well into your 80s and 90s if you want to.”
Carter’s grandmother, Jeanine Roberts, said the moment was deeply meaningful.
“This momma is so emotional right now!” she wrote. “Carter was awarded a free guitar today! He had no idea either! I could not be more proud! Thank you to Mr. Peck, Adam Klett, and Broken Strings Organization! We have one excited young man!”
Since receiving the guitar, Carter has practiced daily and already dreams of how he can expand his musical talents.
“He has been taking such great care of it,” Jenifer said. “He now has new dreams for junior high band and wants to play his violin and trumpet now with the addition of the guitar”
As for Carter, his parents say this one small gesture has already made a big impact.
“He’s been trying to learn how to play the guitar and reading books so he can get better at it,” Dustin said. “He was super excited — this meant the world to him.”
Broken Strings continues to spread its message across Iowa, one student and one guitar at a time.
Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com
