January is Endangered Instrument Month at South Shore Conservatory

South Shore Conservatory (SSC), in collaboration with Goulet and Co. Instrument Rentals, presents “Endangered Instrument Month” throughout January. 

Students of all ages may register for a free trial lesson at SSC’s Hingham or Duxbury campuses on any of the following “endangered instruments” they wish:  bassoon, trombone, tuba, mallets, classical guitar, cello, double bass, harp, oboe, French horn or euphonium.  Each student will be matched with a faculty member who is a professional musician on that instrument. Students currently learning a more familiar instrument may use this opportunity to explore something new.  Goulet and Co. Instrument Rentals will provide a free rental instrument for the trial lesson.

Recognizing the value of learning to play lesser known instruments, SSC instituted this program as a parallel to their mission, Creating Community Through the Arts, expanding outreach to all local student musicians.

Steven Karidoyanes, Conductor of the Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra and Artistic Director for Bay Youth Symphony (BaYS) has witnessed the need for orchestral instrument repopulation for years.  “Three instruments always in demand are the oboe, bassoon and horn.  Students who can master these instruments will always be sought after musicians in orchestras, bands and chamber music,” says Karidoyanes.  “The reality is there are far too few of them available.  The enterprising person will see there’s an opportunity here.  Many colleges with strong music programs give merit scholarships to students who play these very instruments!”

A $100 discount is also available to students who are interested in continuing their endangered instrument lessons by signing up for the 17-week spring 2012 semester.

For complete details and to set up a free January trial lesson, please contact Lorna Jane Norris at l.norris@sscmusic.org or 781-749-7565, ext. 23. For more information about South Shore Conservatory, please visit www.sscmusic.org or follow us on Facebook.