Instruments For All

The Northfield Fine Arts Boosters (NFAB) have renamed the organization’s “Instruments For All” program in memory of longtime Northfield elementary band director Roger Jenni.

The program, which aims to put an instrument into the hands of every Northfield Public Schools student who wants to participate in the band or orchestra program, is now known as the “Roger Jenni Instruments For All Memorial Fund.”

NFAB made the announcement at the Northfield High School 2015 spring band concert, before the performance of “Hymn and Celebration,” which was composed by St. Olaf Music Professor and NFAB board member Tim Mahr. The Concert Band’s performance of the song was dedicated to Jenni, who launched the band career of most of the students in the auditorium.

Jenni passed away unexpectedly in February 2015, several months after he had retired. He had taught fifth-grade band in Northfield for nearly 40 years and was a true champion of music in Northfield Public Schools, known for his enthusiasm for band and for students.

The Northfield Fine Arts Boosters believe Roger Jenni not only supported the “Instruments For All” mission but also lived it every day that he came to work. We are committed to continuing his legacy in making sure every child in the Northfield schools who wants to play an instrument is able to do so. We invite parents, former students and community members to continue to nourish this fund in Jenni’s memory.

The Fine Arts Boosters started the “Instruments For All” program three years ago with the help of a grant from the Northfield Area Foundation. The fund, which is separate from the general Fine Arts Boosters money, provides for the purchase of used instruments, the repair of donated instruments, and the purchase of supplies for students who use donated instruments. It also provides scholarships for music lessons.

To donate money to the “Roger Jenni Instruments For All Memorial Fund,” you can write a check to Northfield Fine Arts Boosters, with IFA in the memo line, and mail it to Northfield Fine Arts Boosters, 1400 Division St. South, Northfield, MN 55057. You can also donate securely online, at our page on givemn.org.

The Fine Arts Boosters also accept donations of new or used instruments. Bring string instruments to the middle school office and band instruments to the Bridgewater Elementary School office. Leave your name and mailing address, and NFAB will mail you a receipt.