Last week, the Polson Middle School band received a check from a local group, making it possible to purchase more instruments.

The Polson Lions Club stopped by to donate $500, after members read about the band’s need for instruments in an article published by The Leader on March 29.

Club President James A. Manley and member Ken Avison hand-delivered the check to the cause.

Band director Nicholas Ross said that as of Friday, the band received more than $6,200 as a response from the community following the article.

“A few instruments have been donated, too,” he added, noting that the band now has six additional functioning instruments.

Student interest in the band program is growing, Ross said.

Twenty-five of the 58 sixth graders are using school instruments, he said, adding that about half of those 25 are unable to pay the rental fee of $50.

To help offset the cost, Ross said that the school tries to have various instruments available.

Since the end of March, Ross said that he has ordered 16 instruments, and he’ll probably “hold steady” until next school year, as there is a little bit of money left over.

“It’ll be used for students next year, to see what they need,” he said.

Ross said he’s been purchasing used instruments, because if he ordered new, he wouldn’t be able to get as many.

There’s no goal with how much money Ross hopes to raise.

“We’re trying to create a supply of instruments,” he said.

At the start of the school year, the middle school band saw its largest sixth-grade band, with 58 students interested in learning instruments, which increased by 20 more students than last year’s group.

Anyone wishing to donate a musical instrument or make a monetary donation can do so at Polson Middle School, where Ross said a receipt will be given.

Donations are tax-deductible.

For more information, contact Ross at (406) 883-6335, extension 352.