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Founded in 2007, Share The Music is a nonprofit musical instrument recycling program in Bloomington-Normal McLean County, Illinois providing token- or no-cost instrument loans to students in public school music programs. The organization is a partnership between the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, the Music Shoppe in Normal, and the Pratt Music Foundation. School districts in Bloomington-Normal provide band and orchestra programs beginning at the fifth grade level and continuing through the end of high school. Although the programs are free, the cost of acquiring or renting an instrument is a barrier to participation for low-income students. Share The Music accepts donated musical instruments, refurbishes them, and loans them at token or no cost to students who meet income eligibility criteria.

Program Evolution
After several years of operation, Share The Music determined that some instruments in high demand for band and orchestra (primarily less-than-full-size stringed instruments) are more commonly rented than bought, and are consequently rarely donated. In 2010, Share The Music instituted a program of buying used instruments (direct from manufacturers) in order to greater meet needs within the community.

Community Support
Costs of instrument repair and refurbishment have been primarily covered by benefit concert fundraising and in-kind donations. In 2010, Backyard Tire Fire’s Holiday Jamboree dedicated its proceeds to Share The Music.

Program Outcomes
In 2011, Share the Music loaned 100 instruments to students in public school music programs. The renewal rate from the previous years was 32 (32%). The remaining participation was new students who would not otherwise have been able to participate.