Play it Forward

By Stella Leonardi | Year 12, Music Prefect

Play It Forward is an opportunity for the Abbotsleigh community to contribute to music education being the right of every Australian child. By donating our pre-loved instruments, music books and equipment for redistribution to disadvantaged schools around NSW, we can make a significant difference to others. 

Play It Forward is the Term 1 focus of the 2018/19 Service Project. Partnering with Musica Viva, Play It Forward is launched off the back of Guy Sebastian’s ABC documentary series Don’t Stop the Music.

The effect of access and exposure to music is typically justified scientifically, in terms of improving mental and emotional health, sleep quality, memory, learning and concentration, and even counteracting the effects of brain ageing. But the donation of instruments, books and equipment through Play It Forward is also the donation of joy – the joy of interacting with music itself, a joy that is multiplied through the act of giving and realising the colossal impact that the Abbotsleigh community can have. 

The power of musical access in the life of an underprivileged child, or a new arrival to Australia, or a child living in a community with limited resources, is not to be underestimated. By putting an instrument in their hands and books of music on their stands, we are giving these children an empowering gift, a chance to connect with each other and their communities; we are improving their experiences at school, and for the rest of their lives. 

The donation period will be from Wednesday to Friday of Week 9 (27-29 March). The collection points will be the Upper Music Room in the Junior School and C2 in the Senior School. Instruments need to be clean and in a working condition with a student name tag.