instruments for nola?

[mopinko]

i had donated a nice vintage coronet through the jazz foundation
i have a couple of student quality instruments, and have come across a couple more at a flea market. i am in the market for a clarinet for my kid, and will be looking in pawn shops, etc, so i will keep an eye out for good deals.
the needs there are so great, but as an artist, i feel that returning music to nola, and helping musicians get back to work, is something that is worth more than money. if i could afford top quality instruments, i would send a truckload. but i have a little money, and some time, so i have decided that this is something that i can do.
i am looking for a local 501c to cover this with some paper for me, but i would like to ask in this forum, especially, if anyone knows of a music school or school band that can use student grade instruments. i think most of the organizations i have talked to have contact with professional musicians, and i will not have too many professional instruments. if i can find a school that can use the lesser quality ones, they should have the tax status to do the paperwork for me.
anyone?

[markus]

1. Try NOCCA

They have "scholarship" programs to help provide students with instruments. As a
"pre-professional" school, they might have high standards, I don't know. However, it would be a good place to start.

http://www.nocca.com/home.html

[mopinko]

2. do you know what is happening with them now?

their "current news" section does not seem to have been updated since katrina.

[mopinko]

3. just a little update-

i have been talking to the musicians local here. they have a few members doing this informally. they are looking to get a truckload together, as they have some larger items. they have been working with the musicians union down there, as are some of the other 501's.
i have been on an ebay spending spree this week. i have several vintage horns on the way, now i just have to figure out how to get them all in playing condition without benefit of a second mortgage. i am working on twisting some arms about that.
please let me know is you know of anyone in particular that is in need of this type of assistance.

[Swamp Rat]

4. I'm a musician and have ties to many musicians here

Let me know what y'all decided to do... I wish I had seen this thread before Mardi Gras.