During performances for Walnut Springs Middle School’s orchestra, Alexandre Hedrick noticed students sharing instruments and sitting out for different songs for an opportunity to play.
He learned there weren’t enough instruments for all students and the realization sat with him as he considered a leadership service project for his bid to become an Eagle Scout.
On Saturday, Hedrick is leading a car wash to raise money for used instruments for Walnut Springs’ music program. While there, he is also taking donations of instruments to share with the school.
“It didn't make any sense why kids practice and play the whole year only to sit out during a performance,” said Hedrick, now a freshman at Westerville North High School. “It was something I wanted to help change.”
His goal is to raise $1,000 and hopes to receive at least 10 instruments through donations. (Three people have already committed to contributing instruments.)
Hedrick’s mother, Julie, said they are working with pawn shops to purchase instruments at a discounted rate. They’ve also connected with local musicians to help fix instruments so they can be readily used at the school.
The car wash will be from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5 at Fazoli’s, 807 S. State St.