Bridgeport, W.Va. – Officials with the West Virginia Young Musicians Fund (WVYMF) have announced the launch of a new website. The site, wvymf.com, contains information on both the Child Instrument Recycle Program (CHIRP) and the WVYMF Scholarship Program.
The website will serve as a central hub for the WVYMF, allowing students, educators and supporters to learn more about the Fund, apply for current programs, and discover opportunities to donate or get involved. Designed to be modern and user-friendly, the platform features a clean layout and easy navigation. Additionally, it streamlines the application process, making it easier for students to apply as well as for educators to recommend applicants.
“The new site will allow us to reach more West Virginians than ever before, which reflects our commitment to helping every child have a chance to play,” Dr. Michael Hess, president of the WVYMF, stated. “It’s more than just a website – it’s a gateway to opportunity.”
The WVYMF scholarship program provides financial support for students in West Virginia who wish to pursue musical ventures. There are four scholarships currently available: the Chris Broadwater Memorial Music Scholarship, the Constantine Thymius Memorial Instrument Scholarship, the Randall Hall Memorial Instrument Scholarship and the Anthony Ellis Special Events Grant. These can help to cover expenses like tuition assistance, the cost of an instrument, audition preparation and more.
CHIRP provides recycled instruments to students who may not be able to afford one. Partnering with Bandland, they evaluate, repair and sanitize the donated instruments, restoring them to proper playing condition for students who are passionate about music. Instrumental music teachers can apply for their students to receive an instrument scholarship. Since the program’s start, the WVYMF has been able to donate over 100 instruments across 15 counties in WV.
The WVYMF began with a simple belief: music has the power to change lives. Founded by the family of Dr. Robert D. Hess, the mission grew from the CHIRP program — placing unused instruments into the hands of students who need them most. What started in Harrison County now echoes across West Virginia. Through instrument donations and need-based scholarships, the WVYMF is breaking down barriers and building up confidence, creativity and connection. Because when a young person is given the chance to make music, something extraordinary happens.
