The Duquesne City School District music program's recent history of having to turn away musicians each year due to lack of instruments is about to change, thanks to Sigma Alpha Iota, a professional music women's fraternity at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

They are spearheading a drive to collect used instruments for the budding musicians to use.

"I feel that here are students who really want to learn and one of them may be the next Beethoven and yet because of the economic status in the district, they wouldn't have that chance to learn and excel," said Julie Rossetti, head of the philanthropic committee for Sigma Alpha Iota.

She said the situation at Duquesne was brought to her attention by fellow student Sara Ricardi, of Pittsburgh, who read an article about Duquesne's situation in the Post-Gazette's South edition.

The instruments to be donated by the IUP fraternity will be used both by the high school band and the district's music program, which had to turn away about 80 students this year and last due to lack of instruments and the financial constraints of families.

The Duquesne City High School marching band consists of about 18 members, its lowest membership in years. It used to boast of 100 members or more.

"It is a sad situation and as a music education major and as a music fraternity, we feel it is our duty to do something to help these students," said Rossetti.

The fraternity, which has about 35 active members, collected about 40 used instruments and monetary donations, which will be used to buy accessories such as reeds and other music supplies.

Band director James Lippman said he is thankful for the thoughtfulness of the music students at IUP. He hopes his students not only grow musically but also gain a sense of caring and sharing as a result.

The presentation of instruments will be made on Dec. 16. The IUP students will also join Duquesne musicians in a holiday concert.

Rossetti said the group is still collecting instruments or monetary donations. She can be contacted at 814-777-2305.