727 Instrumental's Donor-Match Fundraiser

In 2025, 727 Instrumentals' goal is to provide musical instruments and 6 months of music lessons to students in grades 4 -12 who reside in Onondaga County and demonstrate a financial and/or educational need.

Dedicated to providing support to underserved children and the music and arts programs at the schools they attend in our community. Syracuse City Schools has more than 20,000 students attending 34 schools in the district. 727 Instrumental recognizes the opportunity to partner with the Syracuse City School District and their band programs, as well as other students and schools in Onondaga County, with the goal to bolster participation in music and the arts by directly supporting students with (age and skill appropriate) gifted instruments and access to 6 months of outside lessons** to support their growth and learning, fostering students creativity and expression and academic experience.

2025 Donor Match Campaign*:

We are so excited for the opportunity to fund-raise for our organization with a donor-match, supported by a charter donor, for a maximum fundraising of $30,000 to support our initiative. The success of this campaign, with the generous match will provide support to 30 students, minimally, providing them with their own instruments and access to six months of lessons.

About 727 Instrumental:

In 3rd grade, Founder of 727 Instrumental, Mark Digorgio, a student at Webster Elementary School, dreamed of learning to play the saxophone. A famous solo artist from the late 70s, who was featured on nearly every talk show at the time, inspired him to follow in his footsteps. As soon as he was eligible, Mark signed up for the school band without hesitation. Mark was provided an alto saxophone to borrow, but his instructor, Mr. Mastroleo, with the understanding that after one month the borrowed instrument had to be returned to the school and to continue playing in the band, Marks family would need to purchase a saxophone.

Before the month was up, Mark shared with his father how much he enjoyed playing the saxophone and that they would need to buy an instrument so he could continue playing in the schools band. Soon after that conversation, Marks father explained that although he would love for him to continue playing in the the band, the cost of purchasing a saxophone prices were far too expensive for the family to afford.

Heartbroken, Mark returned to school and, during the next band practice, told his teacher, Mr. Mastroleo, that his family could not afford to purchase a saxophone and that he would have to leave the band.

Recognizing Marks sincere interest, ability and need, Mr. Mastroleo did something unexpected. He spoke with the city school district to secure the instrument as a permanantly borrowed piece, securing Marks place in the band for the entire school year. Mr.Mastroleo's efforts did not stop there. Mark went on to play the saxophone through the end of 8th grade as a result of his teachers unwavering support.

727 Instrumental was grown from a seed, planted by Marks teacher when he was in 5th grade. In 2024, Mark launched the 727 Instrumental Foundation to pay forward the kindness shown to him all those years ago, with the initiative to support as many school aged students as he could locally with the goal that no child would ever have to give up their dream of playing a musical instrument or miss the experience of being part of a school band.

727 Instrumental is here to help and inspire the youth in our community.

727 Instrumentals Mission and Vision:

727 Instrumental’s Mission: To strengthen young minds, build confidence, inspire and foster resilience through music education. Ensuring that every child has an opportunity to grow, express themselves and thrive within our schools and community.

727 Instrumental’s Vision: A world where every child’s interest in music and the arts is encouraged, embraced and supported.

Impact:

At a cost of roughly $1000 per student served, this campaign will provide support to approximately 30 students in grades 5-12 by providing instruments and access to six months of lessons**.

Interested students/parents/guardians and teachers are encouraged to apply for instruments and lessons by visiting:

https://www.727instrumental.org/Application-Portal

*This donor match campaign will run through December 2025 or until the donor match has been maximized.

**Lessons are made possible through partnerships with instructors at: The School of Rock (Fayetteville), Guitar Center (Syracuse), The Music Center (Syracuse) and Music & Arts (Clay).