The KSO Instrument Donation Project (KID Project) continues to make a lasting impact on music education across DeKalb County. Since its launch in early 2024, the KID Project has collected 84 band and orchestra instruments from community donors and provided dozens of them to local schools to benefit student musicians.
Over the past year, the program has grown significantly. In 2024 alone, 28 instruments were refurbished and donated to school music programs throughout the county. In 2025, more than 37 additional instruments were repaired and distributed, giving students access to instruments they may not otherwise be able to afford.
The generously donated instruments from the community include: violins, violas, cellos, clarinets, flutes, an oboe and bass clarinet, saxophones, trumpets, cornets, French horns, a trombone and several more brass instruments.
Orchestra and band program recipients include:
DeKalb
Clinton Rosette Middle School
Huntley Middle School
DeKalb High School
Genoa
Genoa-Kingston High School
Genoa-Kingston Middle School
Hinckley
Hinckley-Big Rock High School
Hinckley-Big Rock Middle School
Kirkland
Hiawatha High School
Hiawatha Middle School
Shabbona
Indian Creek High School
Sycamore
Sycamore High School
Sycamore Middle School
Waterman
Indian Creek Middle School
The KID Project’s mission is to eliminate financial barriers that prevent students from participating in school music programs. By refurbishing donated instruments and providing them free of charge to school music departments, the project enables more students to experience the benefits of music education and performance by giving them access to quality musical instruments.
“This program is about opportunity,” said Deb Loitz, KSO Music Education Outreach chair. “There are students throughout our county who have the passion and drive to learn music, but whose families can’t always afford instrument rental fees. The KID Project helps to bridge that gap which opens doors and creates opportunities for all students to experience the joy of making music.”
Grant Support
The KID Project received support this year from the Kishwaukee Sunrise Rotary, DeKalb Drama and Arts Club, and Farny R. Wurlitzer Foundation, allowing the KSO to partner with local musicians, luthiers, and repair technicians to prepare each instrument for student use. Additional support has been provided by the 100+ Women Who Care DeKalb/Sycamore and the Rockford Area Arts Council.
How to Contribute
The KID Project continues to accept donations of gently used band and orchestra instruments, including strings, woodwinds, brass, and auxiliary percussion. (Please note: pianos, organs, keyboards, drums, guitars, and toy instruments are not accepted.)
Ways to help:
Bring your instrument to any KSO concert at NIU’s Boutell Memorial Concert Hall in the Music Building. Volunteers will be available at the ticket table to accept donations.
Contact Deb Loitz at musicoutreach@kishorchestra.org to arrange a drop-off.
Monetary donations are also welcomed and help cover the cost of professional repairs. Contributions can be made online at kishorchestra.org/donate.
If your child is interested in borrowing a KID Project instrument, contact their school’s band or orchestra director for availability. For more information about the KID Project, visit kishorchestra.org/kid-project.