The Cortez Middle School band is “bursting at the seams” and is looking for donors to help equip the 70 sixth-graders enrolled in Beginning Band.

CMS band director Andrew Campo said a third of the sixth-grade class has enrolled in the program this year and the school has run out of instruments.

“As Cortez residents, we rightly take great pride in the amazing success of our high school band program,” Campo said in an email to The Journal. “The one thing all these amazing musicians have in common is that they began their musical career at Cortez Middle School.”

Many parents cannot afford to purchase or rent an instrument for their child, Campo said, adding that without additional instruments, the program won’t grow.

“We asked for donations eight years ago, and Cortez really stepped up with nearly 50 instruments donated,” he said.

Campo also said the school has been awarded three grants from the “Bringing Music to Life Foundation,” but that it won’t cover this year’s high participation at CMS.

Do you have an old instrument tucked away in the garage or attic? Campo said the school will repair instruments and use them for years.

“We are especially interested in flutes, clarinets, saxophones and trumpets, but all band instruments are welcome,” Campo said. Residents also may give a tax-deductible donation to the “Buy A Tuba” fund.

For more information, email Campo at acampo@cortez.k12.co.us or write to Campo at 450 W. Second St., Cortez CO 81321.