A Gift of Music

In a remarkable display of philanthropy, PCC’s Performing & Communication Arts division recently received a substantial in-kind gift of more than a dozen instruments and music equipment. 

“These are vintage brass instruments, many of which aren’t even made anymore,” explained Zak Graff, Manager for the Center for the Arts Events. “It opens up a whole category for our students, giving them access to professional equipment not typically available in the marketplace, and in some cases cost-prohibitive to obtain even if available.”

The donation, made possible by the estate of Stuart Aptekar, underscores the unwavering support for the arts within our community. Ranging from cornets to trumpets to sheet music, the gift provides students with unique, high-quality equipment essential for honing their craft and expanding their musical repertoire. 

Over the years, the Performing & Communications Arts division has benefitted significantly from generous donors like the Aptekar Family. The Digby Diehl Jazz Book Collection, for instance, was donated in 2013 and is held in the music library. 

“These gifts help maintain or even create a legacy of donation at PCC,” Zak said. “From the Aptekar Family, this inventory will be labeled accordingly so that every time a student checks it out, they’ll receive some literature on the history of the instrument and the donation.”

“What a wonderful addition to the inventory available to PCC students and faculty,” he added.