School's used instrument sale a 'win-win'

If you are in need of a musical instrument, Bartlett High School may have the solution for you Saturday at the school's 11th annual used instrument sale.

The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the cafeteria of the school, 701 W. Schick Road, Bartlett.

"Every year, between 60 and 70 instruments are displayed, with about half of them selling during this event," said orchestra Director Tom Havel. "It's a win-win situation for the buyer, seller and the student orchestra.

Havel noted that most of the instruments sold are violins and violas. The sale also sees a fair number of flutes and clarinets.

"The bigger the instrument, the fewer we get because when someone invests in a large instrument like a tuba, usually they're pretty committed to keeping it," Havel said.

In addition to traditional orchestral instruments, the Bartlett sale also features guitars, both acoustic and electric, as well as amplifiers. The mix of featured instruments has varied from year to year.

"We sell on consignment," Havel said. "Some of the people price their instruments low because they want to sell them."

The proceeds benefit the Bartlett orchestras. Depending on the year, the orchestras net between $700 and $2,000.

"My goal every year is to cover our bus expenses," Havel said.

Orchestra students take two field trips per year to Symphony Center in Chicago and perform at several Bartlett schools several times per year.

Instruments can be placed in the sale up until the 9 a.m. start.

For more information, call the school at (630) 372-4700, ext. 4604.