Every musician knows how difficult it is to start a band from scratch, but that it can be very rewarding for the members and the community. Retired Army bandmaster Dell Holt and EuGene Smith started a small community band in Clinton, Arkansas two years ago. Scrounging for music and instruments for those who didn’t have any, they built the band to 30 members and gave a series of successful concerts. Over two years they accumulated a small music library and a good collection of band instruments. The county let them keep their library and equipment in a small (12' x 30') building that was not being used.

Then, on February 5, 2008, a tornado struck the county, causing 3 deaths, the total loss of many homes, and heavy damage to others. Also destroyed was a local boat manufacturing plant and the band's little building. With the total destruction of the band building, they lost about 60 sets of music, a number of instruments (either destroyed or blown away and never found), and a donated brand new enclosed 6' x 10' cargo trailer (for hauling equipment to performances - blown away and not found).  Unfortunately, they had not had sufficient funds to obtain insurance.

Can you help? They have obtained IRS 501(c)(3) tax exempt status so contributions are tax deductible. They will be happy to accept anything used by bands: music, instruments in any condition (they have been offered help in repairing damaged instruments), percussion equipment, stands – anything that would help them rebuild!

Items can be sent either one of the following addresses:

Van Buren County Community Band

P.O. Box 432

Clinton, AR 72031

Van Buren County Recycling Center

ATTN: EuGene Smith

494 Volunteers Parkway

Clinton, AR 72031

For further information, contact Dell Holt holtdell@clintoncable.net or
EuGene Smith bigusmith@yahoo.com.

Thank you for anything you can do to help!

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