Winfield-Mount Union teacher prioritizes music accessibility

Winfield-Mount Union Band Director Lindsey Pogmore is passionate about making music education accessible to her students.

According to Pogmore many students in her district are unable to afford buying or even renting instruments to participate in band.

46.4% of students from Winfield-Mount Union Community School District receive free or reduced lunch according to Elementaryschools.org

“I am lucky to have a lot of high quality equipment to use, but a number of instruments are in varying states of disrepair due to age and a lot of student use over the years,” Pogmore said.

Pogmore created a donation page with Donors Choose website to raise the funds needed to repair the musical instruments.

Her campaign for $362 was created April 17 and completely funded by four donors by April 18.

The funds have already been put toward piccolo head corks, saxophone ligatures, triangle beaters, Velcro for pencil holders, and next straps.

These repairs will benefit Winfield-Mount Union students from fifth grade through high school.

“Thanks so much for your support of this project! I can't wait to get to work on getting some more resources ready for students to use and make some beautiful music!” Pogmore said in response to her Donors Choose donations. “I am trying to build a program back to what it once was, and working instruments are some of the most basic and essential components to making that a reality. On behalf of the band students at WMU, thanks again for your support!

“I teach in a largely lower-income Title I district. Many families find it difficult to purchase needed items for their students to participate in band, including basic items to help maintain basic instrument function. The items in this project are not terribly big or exciting, but they are things that are used on a daily basis to keep things working. Valve oil keeps brass valves moving, and our trumpets playing without any valves sticking when they shouldn't. Cork Grease helps clarinets assemble with ease and decreases chance of bent keys. Mouthpiece cushions help maintain school owned mouthpieces in good condition. And a new pitch pipe will replace a 20+ year old one that is damaged. All of these things contribute to the success of the group!”

In a proactive effort Progmore has launched a $170 campaign with Donors Choose asking for support in purchasing maintenance essentials.

These essentials will consist of valve oil for brass instruments, cork grease for clarinets, mouthpiece cushions, and a new pitch pipe.

As of Tuesday Pogmore’s latest campaign still needed to raise $120.

To make donations visit www.donorschoose.org/project/small-but-important-essential-items/6376949/ or reach out to Winfield-Mount Union Schools directly.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com