Blue Valley North High School 12th grade student Gabriel Decker works to provide musical opportunities for those in need by donating instruments.
Decker, son of Jim and Lainie Decker, plays the piano, bass and percussion with his school’s band, orchestra and musical theater group. He’s also a regular volunteer with a classical string ensemble that performs at elderly care homes, and he plays double bass with Congregation Beth Torah’s volunteer band.
Decker has seen the benefits of playing an instrument first hand — it provides students a caring and welcoming community, a sense of accomplishment and a way to express themselves and have fun. He knows, however, that not all children are as fortunate as he is to have access to an instrument, and he wanted to change that.
Beginning in his junior year of high school, Decker started asking people to donate new or used musical instruments for children in foster care. Within a week, Decker had collected five instruments.
“Having the opportunity to play music is one of the best things that’s ever happened to me,” he said. “Being able to make music has led me to meet some of the kindest people I know, and it has been one of the things I continuously look forward to in school.”
After his initial success, Decker posted a flier asking for donations on social media and at local stores. Soon he had collected keyboards, guitars, drums, a violin, a flute and a trumpet. Some had cases and were in perfect condition, while others were dusty and needed minor repairs. Several people also donated music books, sheet music, folding stands and other accessories.
“One woman donated two guitars,” he said. “They had been her children’s instruments until they stopped playing them. She said she had been storing them until she found a good cause. She was thrilled other children would be using them.”
To ensure the instruments got into the hands of children who needed them, Decker reached out to several nonprofit organizations in Kansas City that provide support to children in foster care. One organization helped to deliver instruments to students in Kansas who had specific requests, and another plans to use the instruments in music therapy sessions and day-treatment programs.
One foster parent in rural Kansas, whose 11-year-old nephew received a trumpet that had been donated to Decker, said, “I was thrilled that my nephew had found an outlet through music, but when the school sent the rental information [for the trumpet], I had no idea how I would afford a trumpet payment every month. Then someone sent me Gabriel's contact information, letting me know his passion was to get fostered children instruments — it was so exciting for us.”
“I explained to my nephew how he never has to give it up, or worry about how we will make the payment,” the foster parent continued. “He is so happy to have something of his own that he can keep and play for the rest of his life. He carries it back and forth to school every day so he can practice every night. He is very proud of his trumpet and happy to keep up with his peers in band.”
Decker is happy knowing that he’s helping others find their love of music.
“I’m really excited to help kids move forward on their musical journey,” he said. “I hope they continue to find music fulfilling for many years to come. I’m extremely grateful to everyone that’s donated or helped support the project in other ways.”
In addition to his musical philanthropy, Decker is involved with the Jewish Community Foundation’s B’nai Tzedek Youth Council. He was a 2022-23 member of the Jewish Community Relations Bureau | AJC’s Leadership for Tomorrow program and the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism Teen Justice Fellowship.
Those interested in donating a new or used instrument and/or music supplies can contact .
