Maryland student helping aspiring musicians reach their goals

Lukas Jaskunas, a junior at BCC has been playing the bassoon since the 3rd grade.

He plays with his school’s orchestra and with the Maryland Classic Youth Orchestra at the Strathmore. 

However, he told WUSA9 many of the schools’ instruments were poor quality, making it difficult for aspiring musicians to get better.

When Jaskunas did some research, he noticed they’re also very expensive. Prices for a good instrument can be upwards of tens of thousands of dollars. He realized it was a cost many families likely wouldn’t be able to afford.

Jaskunas decided to partner with several DMV schools and the music center at Strathmore to host an instrument drive.

All the instruments will go to young musicians from low-income families across the DMV.

The donations will support students who, like Lukas, dream of studying music and playing for a living.

“I can’t really imagine myself doing anything else or sitting at a desk working. I’d love to do music for a living.” Jaskunas, said. 

The 2024 DMV Instrument Drive will be held at the Strathmore Music Center on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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