Grand Island Schools Approve $343,071 Purchase of 246 Instruments to Support Growing Music Programs

When the Grand Island Public Schools Board of Education convened on June 11, the room was filled with the quiet anticipation of a new season of music. In a unanimous 7‑0 vote, the board approved a $343,071 allocation for the purchase of 246 instruments that will be shared between Grand Island Senior High School and the district’s three middle schools.

The decision follows a detailed inventory study and a review of enrollment trends. Dr. Evan Lee, the senior high’s band director, presented the plan, explaining that the instruments were chosen to fill gaps revealed by a year‑long audit. "We have a little over 1,000 band instruments across our district that we can check out directly to students," Lee said. He added that many students double on instruments—playing alto saxophone in concert band and baritone saxophone in jazz band—and that the district also maintains specialty instruments for specific repertoire.

Enrollment figures underscore the urgency. Lee reported that more than 230 students are enrolled in the high‑school band, while the orchestra has grown to over 80 members. Middle‑school participation is also rising: 6th‑grade classes host between 85 and 110 students per building, 7th‑grade between 60 and 90, and 8th‑grade between 50 and 80. The district’s 2024‑2025 Annual Report shows that 91 % of students qualify for free or reduced‑price meals, a demographic factor Lee cited as a key reason for providing instruments.

"If a kid wants to play, our philosophy here at Grand Island is let’s make sure they have an instrument," Lee said. "If they can provide their own, that’s wonderful. If they can’t provide their own, we want to make sure we have the means to provide one.”

The board’s vote came after the audit revealed that, for example, all flutes were checked out and the district was short by two trumpets, requiring borrowing. The new purchase plan addresses these gaps and anticipates projected growth.

The 246 instruments will come from five vendors and include flutes, alto saxophones, trumpets, trombones, clarinets, piccolos, tubas, violins, cellos, and marching crash cymbals. Two of the orders are for alto saxophones, some of which are intended for beginning musicians.

Staffing for the music programs is led by one band director and one orchestra director at each middle school, with eight instructors total across middle and high school levels. Dr. Lee, who also serves as the high‑school band director, noted that the orchestra director doubles as his assistant for band.

The board’s decision reflects the district’s broader strategy to maintain high participation rates in music education. "We’re seeing some pretty big growth out of all of those programs. And that’s coming from the middle schools," Lee said. "For example, two years ago for band, middle schools sent us 62 freshmen. Last year they sent us about 80. This year they sent us about 97."

The purchase is expected to support the district’s commitment to inclusive music education, ensuring that students who might otherwise lack access to instruments can participate in band and orchestra. The investment aligns with state and federal guidelines that encourage equitable access to arts programs.

Board members who were absent from the meeting were Eric Garcia‑Mendez and Dr. Kent Mann. Board member Josh Hawley noted the presence of two alto saxophone orders during the presentation.

The purchase will be completed in the upcoming fiscal period, with instruments distributed to students in accordance with the district’s inventory management system. The decision demonstrates Grand Island Public Schools’ ongoing effort to sustain and grow its music programs amid demographic and enrollment changes.