The first Salvation Army band developed in the United States in 1879.
"The band acted as bodyguards," said Maj. John McCarty, Lake County coordinator for the Salvation Army.
"They always had a religious tone to their music. And they were used to attract a crowd."
There are three Salvation Army locations in Lake County -- Gary/Merrillville, Hammond/Munster and East Chicago/Whiting.
Currently, the first two locations offer music lessons to youngsters.
And as soon as the East Chicago/Whiting location has enough instruments, instruction will be offered there too.
The Gary/Merrillville location has 11 children in its program, while Hammond/Munster has two students.
The organization has advertised for donations of instruments for the youth at all locations.
New or used brass and woodwind instruments are needed.
"We can accept other instruments," McCarty added.
was a child. Her mother was a music teacher, and she learned to play the cornet before changing to the baritone.
In addition to being a band member, she has been employed with the She also teaches lessons to future band members.
Charleston, 59, has played her instruments for more than 50 years and members," she said. "It is a club, but not in the sense of a She added that developing a sense of duty in many areas is another gain for the youngsters.
"They learn the commitment of playing their particular instrument and also the commitment to patience," she said.
McCarty agreed that the band students gain more than they may realize at the onset.
skills to develop. In addition to assisting in the Salvation Army Church services each Sunday, band members play at many events throughout the year, such as parades and dinners.
For information on donating musical instruments to Lake County Salvation Army locations, call
838-0380.
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