@DaveAceOfBass - Please tell us how this came about. Did the child know you were bringing it over? Was he completely surprised?
Well, in case you don't know I'm a professional bass player on the side, but during the day I teach middle school band at a Title 1 school here in Charlotte, NC (Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School). It's my third year there, and most of our school's kids and families have trouble getting what they need. I have had to come up with ways to expand our school's loaner inventory to grow the program, but this particular item was a gift, not a loaner.
I saw MadBassPlaya's post as I was meandering around the Talkbass app on a Sunday morning in between playing church services. I knew immediately that just about anyone at my school would be needy enough to qualify, but then I thought of Tyrek. This year the school reinstated the orchestra program, and they hired a half time orchestra teacher to come teach 6th grade. He is serving as an assistant band director for 7th and 8th grade and has become a good friend. He has Tyrek in his class, he plays a school cello. He has often stated that he is easily his best student. Well, I was running a small after school jazz combo and Tyrek wanted to come. Cello didn't fit, and I was playing bass. Tyrek was instantly hooked and wanted to try, and kept grabbing the school's bass instead of his cello when he came to class. I promised I'd help him learn to play. Of course, he just couldn't play well enough yet to play our concert, but he had determination and heart that I could see. When I saw this post, the Lord laid it on my heart to mention him to MadBassPlaya. Well, the rest is history. I spoke to his mom, and she said that they were struggling coming up with Christmas gifts, and was floored that I wanted to help via MadBassPlaya's incredible offering. The bass arrived on Tuesday morning, the same day as our Winter concert...I happened to see his mom that same day and so we set up a visit on Wednesday morning. Tyrek was all dressed up for a field trip to Bank of America. He came out of class, and I surprised him with the story and the gift. He was very very happy and excited. I adjusted the bridge saddles, and I have a friend who will help me with the electronics. We will get it up and running for him. I appreciate all the other people who have chimed in and want to help.
Tyrek is not the only needy kid I know, but he was the right candidate for this particular gift. If anyone has any brass or woodwind instruments they'd like to donate to the school, I'm always glad to put them to use.
Thanks to everyone for making this a special Christmas for Tyrek and his family.
