Vanguard-Inc., the volunteer wing of the Albany Symphony Orchestra, seeks used musical instruments for donation to 16 school districts in or close to the this region. Many lack instruments yet yearn to study music, according to Jill Rifkin, head of Vanguard’s Instruments for Students program. Often parents are unable to afford the purchase or rental fees for instruments.

The next instrument drive will be held on Saturday, March 8, from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Crossgates Mall, second floor, with a mall entrance near Best Buy. Band and orchestra instruments are sought.

Rifkin and her husband drive donated instruments back to her house in Delmar. When she has 35, she reports that she asks several music teachers to choose the instruments they need, and then lend them to students.

Information may be obtained by calling 518- 439-1843 or e-mailing  jrrif@aol.com.