UPDATE: OKEMOS - Okemos band instructors are calling for Township residents to donate used instruments that they are no longer using.

Music classes are now required for middle-school students, but the high prices of instruments keep many students from being able to participate in band.

With music having so many proven benefits for kids, the teachers say it is important to provide opportunities to as many students as possible.

Meridian Winds music shop works with Okemos and other local schools to repair used band instruments at low or no cost.

Store owner Eric Satterlee says he enjoys helping the schools because of the importance of music education.

"Studies have shown that kids that know music are smarter," says Satterlee. "and I think that basically says it all. Just type into Google, 'music makes you smarter' and there's (tons of stuff) about it."

The shop repairs donations when possible and takes unrepairable instruments to use for parts. In exchange for the parts, the shop gives the school store credit to allow them to purchase other things that they need to maintain their programs, such as mallets, reeds or drum heads.

Residents wishing to donate their instruments should drop them off at Kinawa or Chippewa Middle School.


ORIGINAL STORY: OKEMOS - Have an old band instrument collecting dust in your closet? Okemos music teachers are looking to put it to good use.