catspaw... enjoyed that last message. Handing down the music means being aware of handing down the instruments, too. Giving musical instruments to kids is important. Whenever there is an opportunity for you to give a child a gift, if you can give them an instrument (even a penny whistle), that is an excellent way to make sure the making of music goes on. I do appreciate the music program in our town's schools. Almost every child plays an instrument in either band or orchestra starting in the 5th grade. So, for at least one year, they all can appreciate having an instrument in their hands and performing music. The school orchestras nurture the string players and the bands nurture the wind instruments and drummers.