INDIANAPOLIS -
At a recent summer practice for members of the Crispus Attucks concert band, several students went over the notes and played a few songs.
But getting the tune just right is a challenge. When asked if she was practicing on her own saxophone, Crispus Attucks junior Ashley Huntsman said, "Oh no, it's the school's."
Most IPS students don't have the resources to rent an instrument, let alone buy one. Now they're getting help from people they don't even know.
About a dozen instruments have been donated so far. They're currently in storage at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The donations were inspired by one man best known for his disco-era love songs like "Mandy" and upbeat tunes such as "Copa Cabana."
Barry Manilow has brought crowds to their feet for nearly 40 years. Now he's calling them to action.
"I'm just trying to make them aware that they could do something," Manilow said during a recent interview with Eyewitness News conducted at the Palladium in Carmel.
When the legendary singer-songwriter performs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on August 3rd, some people in the audience will get free tickets. All they have to do is donate an instrument. That instrument will end up in the hands of an IPS student. It's part of the Manilow Music Project.
"This will have a lasting impact on students for years to come. This is a really neat opportunity", explained David Ebersole, director of bands at Crispus Attucks Medical Magnet High School. "The fact that Mr. Manilow is willing to do this is really a life-changing event for our students," he said.
"You know what happens with music classes," said Manilow, "I hear it from principals and superintendents of schools, these kids; their grades go up, they become better students. They become better people."
Not all of the students are familiar with the benefactor. "His name sounds very familiar and I've probably heard at least one of his songs from my parents, but not really," said Crispus Attucks sophomore Mariah Mathews.
He hopes to have an impact for years to come.
"Didn't that happen to all of us?" Manilow asked rhetorically. "It was one night, somewhere somebody saw what you do and they said - that's what I want to do. There's a budding Barry out there every night that if they played that instrument, who knows what would happen for them?"
His songs have stood the test of time. His legacy is to give budding musicians the gift that only an instrument can give.
You must bring an instrument to the Bankers Life Fieldhouse box office between now and next Friday to receive those free tickets. They are club level seats, which normally start at $40 each. The tickets also get you in to the State Fair on any day.
Manilow Music Project
Indiana State Fair concerts
Bankers Life Fieldhouse - Barry Manilow
Barry Manilow
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