Since 2020, we have collected and distributed over 700 instruments.

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4th Grader, Willsboro Elementary

“Thank you so much for the Alto Sax. I became the coolest person in the world"

Source

“Teens use music as their “social glue” and as a bridge for building acceptance and tolerance for people of different ages and cultural backgrounds.”

Regionally Recognized by:

State outline of New York with the text 'NYS ED.gov' overlaid.
Sign with blue background and white text displaying NYSCA FY26 Grantee, and the New York State Council on the Arts logo.
Logo for New York State Council on the Arts, featuring an outline of New York State and text.
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White neon-style text says 'We Are Instrumental' on black background, with an outline of a guitar on the left side.

Our Core Actions

  • WAI collects gently-used band instruments and works to get them into the hands of kids. Most school districts in Northern, NY provide the instruments to students interested in music. Over the years, these instruments have become bruised, battered, and bandaged with duct tape.

  • After collection, instruments get assessed into three categories: Ready to go, minor repair, and major overhaul. Once assessed and catalogued, instruments get fixed based on the needs of area schools.

  • WAI regularly hosts instrument-repair clinics to educate area band directors. These clinics provide time-saving skills and teachers receive NYS Department of Education credit for their work. By empowering teachers, we also help maintain the newly transformed instrument inventories.

  • We started a pilot program is in partnership with ArtSmart. This weekly, digital-lesson program between students and world-class musicians has been an important barrier to overcome and is at no cost to the student.

  • WAI is arranging field trips for k-12 student to experience great performances in various parts of New York. Making sure students have access to world-class performances.

 

We have received wonderful support from the GKV foundation, Cloudsplitter Foundation, ADK Foundation, Essex County Council of the Arts, Sylvamo, Stewart’s Foundation, and generous contributions from our community — all of which are instrumental to our mission.

Meet the Team

  • People working on what appears to be electronic or precision device repairs at a long table in a well-lit room.

    Evan Mack

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & FOUNDER

    When my son came home from school and told me about kids playing instruments that were bruised, battered, and bandaged with duct tape, We Are Instrumental was born. I am a composer, pianist, and professor who has dedicated my entire life to music.

    I have spent countless hours practicing piano, writing operas, revising and fine-tuning my craft… but devoting my time and energy towards making sure kids have access to music is the easiest, and most fulfilling part of my career.

  • A smiling young woman with tattoos and jewelry, holding a green reusable cup labeled 'Art History 2024,' outdoors at a gathering with other people, trees, and a building in the background.

    Chloe Lewis

    OPERATIONS COORDINATOR

    chloe@weareinstrumentalny.org

    Hi! I’m Chloe Lewis, the Operations Coordinator at We Are Instrumental (WAI), where I get to juggle everything from managing our social media accounts to connecting with our donors. With a background in Art History, Arts Administration, and Media from Skidmore College and a passion for creative problem-solving, I've found my groove here. Music has helped me celebrate the good times and helped me get through the bad. I believe in the magic that music creates and am dedicated to ensuring that this gift continues to thrive through the advancement and accessibility of music education.

  • A young boy in a red sweater with glasses receiving assistance from a man in a purple-striped shirt with glasses in holding a saxophone indoors.

    Michael Iturrino

    PRESIDENT

    I am the President of the Essex County Music Association and Director of Music at Ticonderoga Central schools. For the past thirteen years, I’ve dedicated my career to empowering students through music. I am a proud graduate of the Crane School of Music.

  • An elderly woman with short white hair and glasses, smiling, wearing a patterned blazer and necklace, standing in front of a wall with a nature-themed painting or backdrop.

    Judy Walker

    VICE PRESIDENT

    I retired from a 25-year career managing national consulting team engaged in providing software implementation services to manufacturers and distributors.   During the past 9 years of retirement I have been the Executive Director of the Ticonderoga Festival Guild—a 501C organization that delivers free children’s programming throughout the year, community theater and during the summer, the TFG delivers free family concerts in July and August. As Executive Director and we worked to make the Festival Guild an entirely volunteer organization allowing us to expand programming and put all money raised into programming and supporting costs.

    The Ticonderoga Festival Guild is closely aligned with We Are Instrumental. We believe in the WAI’s mission and support the exceptional work being done to improve the lives and opportunities of music students in the North Country.

  • A woman with short gray hair and glasses, standing outdoors with a river, trees with fall colors, and a hill in the background.

    Shelley Joyce

    TREASURER AND MARKETING & DEVELOPMENT CHAIR

    I am currently the Director of Special Events at Marist College and was previously the Managing Director of the Arthur Zankel Music Center at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs. In the fourth grade I was given a shiny alto saxophone and many years of lessons for free. WAI gives opportunities like mine to kids today and I am honored to be a part of this organization of dedicated individuals. 

  • A smiling older woman with short gray hair, wearing a navy blue and cream cardigan, standing indoors with artwork in the background.

    Donna Wotton

    BOARD MEMBER

    I’m finally retired — again, after serving as executive director of the Ticonderoga Revitalization Alliance for over 6 years. In a previous life I owned a high-tech marketing and event company in San Francisco for 34 years. A core component of my life and these careers has been a passion for mentoring young people in life, career, and personal empowerment. WAI’s music programs are not just about music. Inspired music education impacts student engagement, school attendance, and academic scores. Plus, these programs connect students with mentors — musical and otherwise — that help them discover the best in themselves. I love working with WAI to help build bright futures for North Country kids.

  • A woman with short dark hair, wearing a black blazer, holding a clarinet, standing in a room with a wooden floor.

    Christine Hoerning

    BOARD MEMBER

    I’m New York native now based in Montreal and am an accomplished clarinetist and interdisciplinary performance artist. I am a D’Addario Artist and is currently serving as the professor of clarinet at the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam. 

    Access to classical music and music education is essential. It can save lives.  It teaches essential life skills and fosters a sense of appreciation, understanding, and support for the arts as they become adults and then pass on these values to future generations. It is for this reason that I am so proud to serve on the board for We Are Instrumental NY. 

  • A woman with two children standing in front of a large window with a cityscape view, smiling. The girl is on the woman's left arm, wearing a checkered dress, and the boy is standing to her right, wearing a vest and tie.

    Jennee Iturrino

    BOARD MEMBER

    Stevie Wonder once said "Music, at its essence, is what gives us memories. And the longer a song has existed in our lives, the more memories we have of it."  As a mom, a wife, a teacher, I am blessed that music is always around me.  When my husband first began working with the team at We Are Instrumental, I knew that memories were going to be made. Memories for students, memories for their families, memories for our community, and heartwarming memories for We Are Instrumental.  I am blessed to see first hand students performing with new instruments and giving them new opportunities.  I get to watch everyone (including my husband and children) make memories that will last a lifetime.  I am honored to be part of the We Are Instrumental Board and I hope to bring my bright, creative, and methodical skills to the team.

  • A woman and a young boy smiling and sitting in an audience at an event.

    Dr. Kristin Mack

    BOARD MEMBER

    Because of my husband and children’s musical talents, I often am asked what talent I have. And, I have always told them that “I am a talented audience member.” Growing up, my parents made sure I was exposed to as many music and cultural events as possible. As I pursued my education, my experiences in the arts made it easy for me to relate to people and make connections. Every child should have the same opportunities. I am thrilled to be on the board of WAI to help connect our community and children to music and all its benefits.

  • A man playing a gold-colored saxophone in a dark, dimly lit setting.

    Todd Pray

    BOARD MEMBER

    Music has always connected all aspects of my life. As a North Country native, music teacher at Peru Central School, and conductor of the Adirondack Youth Orchestra, I have extensive experience with the challenges many rural schools face and understand the unique musical needs of the students in Northern New York. I have seen first-hand the positive effects WAI has had on area students and teachers, and am thrilled to be able to contribute to the organization in any way. When not teaching or conducting, I can be found playing in various musical groups or wandering the mountains aimlessly and enjoying all things wild. 

Advisory Council:

Paul Rapp, Entertainment Lawyer and Rockstar

Britney Shaw, Art Teacher at Ticonderoga High School

Christopher Shiley, Vice President of Artistic Planning at SPAC

WAI Policies: Conflict of Interest, Ethics, Procurement, Whistleblower, and Diversity Policies are available here

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