CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman Middle School’s band program received a donation from local supporter and band alumnus Ray Buchmann Thursday morning. Buchmann and his wife, Benton, donated a Gemeinhardt flute to the program.
“It’s the best,” said CMS Band Director Linda Bean. “This is the flute we ask our beginners to get.”
The Buchmanns have donated 10 instruments so far to the CMS band program.
“Your donations have been very helpful; your generosity has helped many, many students,” Bean said to the couple. “You’ve done a lot of good for the students in our program.”
“We worked really hard for 60 years and we made a little bit of money, and now we’re giving it back,” said Ray Buchmann. “It gives us a good warm feeling.”
Benton Buchmann added, “And make those kids happy!”
Bean said the Buchmanns’ donations have been a big help to the middle school’s budding musicians.
“The new instruments help our band students in multiple ways,” she said. “When an instrument goes in to repair it is possible for a student to be without an instrument for two weeks or more. Having an extra instrument for that student to use during that time allows them to continue to make progress and keeps them from falling behind. Sometimes we have a student with a financial hardship, and these instruments provide the possibility for them to participate in band until they are able to afford an instrument of their own. The instruments Mr. Buchmann and his wife have donated to the CMS band have touched many lives in the most wonderful way!”
She continued, “We’re just very grateful. It’s just wonderful that he remembers his experience in the band program and wants to turn around and give back so that this generation will have the same opportunities that he was able to have. We’re just very grateful.”
The Buchmanns hope their donations inspire others to donate to the Cullman Middle School band program.
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