The Narda Rignault Martin String Library has a variety of acoustic, stringed instruments available for loan, at no cost, for young aspiring musicians (those 18 and under).
Children and youth who demonstrate or express inspiration in learning to play a string instrument, are recommended by a teacher or mentor but do not have access to one, can borrow a string instrument for up to a year at no cost. Rental can be renewed up to three years.
The collection has a variety of violins and cellos in various sizes, as well as a full-size bass. Let us know what you’re interested in and we’ll try to match you up. Email FACE or call 281-440-4850 for more information.
Users sign an agreement with Cypress Creek FACE (if 18 years or younger, the parent or primary caregiver of the user signs). The instrument can be kept for up to one year at no cost. After 1 year, the instrument is returned to Cypress Creek FACE or the agreement is renewed for an additional year. If the instrument is damaged or destroyed, lost or stolen, or otherwise not returned, the signer agrees to pay repair and/or replacement costs.
Program History
When Cypress Creek FACE Executive Director Nanci Decker’s daughter joined the lauded Klein ISD 5th Grade Strings program, she realized there was no summer camp for rising 6th graders. In response, Cypress Creek FACE worked with Klein ISD to create the 6th Grade Strings Camp, which launched in June 2013. Since 2013, Decker noticed that a small number of students had to borrow their string instrument from their school because they were unable to afford the cost of renting an instrument. Because they used a school instrument, they did not have an instrument to practice with over the summer.
Knowing how the pandemic effected many families, FACE made the decision to find a way to help these families. Cypress Creek FACE Board Member, Phil Martin, made the initial investment to purchase instruments as a way to honor the memory of his late wife, Narda Rignault Martin. Ms. Decker found a variety of strings instruments on sale through an online auction for school districts. Eighteen instruments were acquired: 9 violins (1/2, 3/4 and full size), 7 cellos (1/4 & 1/2 size) and one full size bass.
If you have a string instrument you would like to donate to be loaned out, please contact email FACE or call 281-440-4850.