Levittown Brass and Percussion was first founded in January 2004 in an effort to engage local children in a positive activity. Levittowner Gary Jacobs immersed himself in the organization after his father, who previously ran it, passed away in 1997.

"I've been teaching since I'm 12 and have played with other organizations also over the years and now I'm mainly involved in running the group," said Jacobs. "I've grown up involved with this since I was 5 years old, first learning how to play the trumpet and then helping to teach the new kids how to play themselves."

Pleasantly surprised with the interest in the group, Levittown Brass and Percussion had to turn away members initially due to financial constraints. Over the past two years they have attracted over 100 members.

"Most kids are interested in playing the drums after seeing the movie Drumline, but oftentimes their schools will put them on other instruments instead," Jacobs said.

The group currently offers two separate groups; one for beginners ages 8-11 and a second group of more experienced musicians ages 10 to adult. The second group is mostly comprised of teenagers.

"We hope to have a third group of all adults in the near future," Jacobs said. "We try to make it as much fun as possible while the kids are learning. In the past we've had new members come down who tried two instruments in the beginning so they could later choose the one they prefer. This seemed to help keep the interest of a lot of kids."

Currently relying on 12 volunteers/instructors to help the organization thrive - including Jacobs' wife and three children - Levittown Brass and Percussion offers free lessons, transportation and instruments.

"We're offering free lessons because the money needed to run the organization is raised by marching in parades." Jacobs explained. "Free instruments have been either donated or purchased by the organization and are given out to the members at no cost."

However, in order to keep the group functioning, Jacobs hopes to receive government or corporate grants so that they can "purchase better instruments and uniforms and also be able to pay the instructors." Donations have also helped defray operational costs.

Rehearsals take place at Jonas Salk Middle School on Old Jerusalem Road in Levittown Tuesday and/or Thursday nights, depending on the member's availability. For more information visit www.levittownband.blogspot.com, which is currently under construction.

While Jacobs currently works two part-time jobs he hopes to soon be full-time at one so he can "have more time to give to this organization."