Since 2020, we have collected over 550 instruments.
“Thank you so much for the Alto Sax. I became the coolest person in the world””
WAI
Collect
Most school districts in Northern, NY provide the instruments to students interested in music. Over the years, these instruments have become bruised, battered, and bandaged with duct tape. WAI collects gently-used band instruments and works to get them into the hands of kids.
Assess
After collection, instruments get assessed into three categories: Ready to go, minor repair, and major overhaul. Once assessed and catalogued, instruments get fixed based on the needs of area schools.
Sustainability
WAI regularly hosts instrument-repair clinics to educate area band directors. These clinics provide time-saving skills and teachers receive NYS Department of Education credit for their work. By empowering teachers, we also help maintain the newly transformed instrument inventories.
Enrichment
We started a pilot program is in partnership with ArtSmart. This weekly, digital-lesson program between students and world-class musicians has been an important barrier to overcome and is at no cost to the student.
Outreach
Making sure students have access to world-class performances. WAI is arranging field trips for k-12 student to experience great performances in various parts of New York.
We have received wonderful support from the GKV foundation, Cloudsplitter Foundation, ADK Foundation, Essex County Council of the Arts, Sylvamo, Stewart’s Foundation, and generous contributions from our community — all of which are instrumental to our mission.
Meet Our Executive Director and Our Board:
Founder: Evan Mack
When my son came home from school and told me about kids playing instruments that were bruised, battered, and bandaged with duct tape, We Are Instrumental was born. I am a composer, pianist, and professor who has dedicated my entire life to music.
I have spent countless hours practicing piano, writing operas, revising and fine-tuning my craft… but devoting my time and energy towards making sure kids have access to music is the easiest, and most fulfilling part of my career.
Operations Coordinator: Chloe Lewis
Hi! I’m Chloe Lewis, the Operations Coordinator at We Are Instrumental (WAI), where I get to juggle everything from managing our social media accounts to connecting with our donors. With a background in Art History, Arts Administration, and Media from Skidmore College and a passion for creative problem-solving, I've found my groove here. Before stepping into this role, I was a Research and Project Assistant at Arbo Radiko, a contemporary storytelling and production company, where I learned the ropes of content creation and project management. Now, I'm having a blast growing our video archive and diving into exciting projects like planning our annual Music Summit. I am passionate about the transformative power of music and the joy it brings to our lives. I believe in the magic that music creates and am dedicated to ensuring that this gift continues to thrive through the advancement and accessibility of music education.
President: Michael Iturrino
I am the President of the Essex County Music Association and Director of Music at Ticonderoga Central schools. For the past thirteen years, I’ve dedicated my career to empowering students through music. I am a proud graduate of the Crane School of Music.
Vice President: Judy Walker
I retired from a 25-year career managing national consulting team engaged in providing software implementation services to manufacturers and distributors. During the past 9 years of retirement I have been the Executive Director of the Ticonderoga Festival Guild—a 501C organization that delivers free children’s programming throughout the year, community theater and during the summer, the TFG delivers free family concerts in July and August. As Executive Director and we worked to make the Festival Guild an entirely volunteer organization allowing us to expand programming and put all money raised into programming and supporting costs.
The Ticonderoga Festival Guild is closely aligned with We Are Instrumental. We believe in the WAI’s mission and support the exceptional work being done to improve the lives and opportunities of music students in the North Country.
Treasurer and Marketing & Development Chair: Shelley Joyce
I am currently the Director of Special Events at Marist College and was previously the Managing Director of the Arthur Zankel Music Center at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs. In the fourth grade I was given a shiny alto saxophone and many years of lessons for free. WAI gives opportunities like mine to kids today and I am honored to be a part of this organization of dedicated individuals.
Secretary and Governance/Partnership Chair: Betsy Kagey
I am an epidemiologist with a lifetime of public health and music. I started violin in the 4th grade and have continued through into my 70s. I have always found that science and music go hand in hand. I’m thrilled to be on the Board of WAI to help bring instruments to students, instrument repair workshops to music teachers and to support music in the North Country.
Finance Committee Chair: Rick Anthony
Over the past 20 years, I have experienced many aspects of the financial planning business. I have been an advisor, wholesaler, and manager which gives me an intimate understanding of of my audience. I have built a successful practice that manages an estimated billion dollars in assets.
I am originally from Plattsburgh/Lyon Mountain. My favorite band is Overkill and on occasion, I play the drum pad. Increasing access to music for kids in the North County is really important to me.
Board Member: Christine Hoerning
I’m New York native now based in Montreal and am an accomplished clarinetist and interdisciplinary performance artist. I am a D’Addario Artist and is currently serving as the professor of clarinet at the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam.
Access to classical music and music education is essential. It can save lives. It teaches essential life skills and fosters a sense of appreciation, understanding, and support for the arts as they become adults and then pass on these values to future generations. It is for this reason that I am so proud to serve on the board for We Are Instrumental NY.
Board Member: Jennee Iturrino
Stevie Wonder once said "Music, at its essence, is what gives us memories. And the longer a song has existed in our lives, the more memories we have of it." As a mom, a wife, a teacher, I am blessed that music is always around me. When my husband first began working with the team at We Are Instrumental, I knew that memories were going to be made. Memories for students, memories for their families, memories for our community, and heartwarming memories for We Are Instrumental. I am blessed to see first hand students performing with new instruments and giving them new opportunities. I get to watch everyone (including my husband and children) make memories that will last a lifetime. I am honored to be part of the We Are Instrumental Board and I hope to bring my bright, creative, and methodical skills to the team. .
Board Member: Kyle Lang
I am an educator, playwright, director, and musician from Ticonderoga, NY. My goal is to help students create, be it in a piece of writing, or storytelling on the stage. I try to model this objective by creating myself: recording original music, sharing my own poetry and prose, and crafting plays for my students to produce.
Board Member: Dr. Kristin Mack
Because of my husband and children’s musical talents, I often am asked what talent I have. And, I have always told them that “I am a talented audience member.” Growing up, my parents made sure I was exposed to as many music and cultural events as possible. As I pursued my education, my experiences in the arts made it easy for me to relate to people and make connections. Every child should have the same opportunities. I am thrilled to be on the board of WAI to help connect our community and children to music and all its benefits.
Board Member: Todd Pray
Music has always connected all aspects of my life. As a North Country native, music teacher at Peru Central School, and conductor of the Adirondack Youth Orchestra, I have extensive experience with the challenges many rural schools face and understand the unique musical needs of the students in Northern New York. I have seen first-hand the positive effects WAI has had on area students and teachers, and am thrilled to be able to contribute to the organization in any way. When not teaching or conducting, I can be found playing in various musical groups or wandering the mountains aimlessly and enjoying all things wild.
Advisory Council:
Paul Rapp, Entertainment Lawyer and Rockstar
Britney Shaw, Art Teacher at Ticonderoga High School
Christopher Shiley, Vice President of Artistic Planning at SPAC
Donna Wotton, Executive Director of the Ticonderoga Revitalization Alliance
WAI Policies: Conflict of Interest, Ethics, Procurement, Whistleblower, and Diversity Policies are available here