Benjamin Small, an accomplished musician and senior at Wilson High School, recently completed his Eagle Scout Project to benefit the Reading Musical Foundation’s Operation Replay program.
Through Benjamin’s efforts, 52 musical instruments were collected to be placed with area student musicians who cannot afford an instrument of their own. As part of the Eagle Scout project design, students are completely responsible for the development, planning, and coordination of a service project to better their community.
Benjamin’s project joined his service and music passions, setting a goal to collect 20 instruments, which he more than doubled as a result of his efforts.
Benjamin’s project included coordinating drop off locations, marketing his project, and fulfilling instrument donations from donors to Zeswitz Music, which will repair the instruments for Reading Musical Foundation.
“Ben’s project captured more than four dozen instruments from people who may have never heard of Operation Replay, or didn’t know there was an option for their unused instrument,” said Keri Shultz, president of Reading Musical Foundation. “RMF is honored and thankful to the be the recipient of not just these instruments, but also Ben’s dedication and hard work to his project and area musicians.”
Benjamin has been a standout musician at Wilson School District, and has been accepted into numerous District, Regional ensembles, as well as the prestigious NAfME All-National Honor Concert Band. While his main instruments are saxophone and voice, he is often seen performing on a multitude of instruments.
The purpose of Eagle Scout Projects is to give Scouts an opportunity to “plan, develop, and give leadership to others,” as noted in the requirement. Eagle Scout projects are evaluated on the benefit to the organization being served and, on the leadership, provided by the candidate. Due to the amount of time, effort, and leadership skills to complete an Eagle Scout Project, having one formally approved is celebrated as a high honor.
