Buffet Crampon helps Louisiana flood victims

This summer has seen plenty of destructive weather and some of the worst devastation occurred recently in Louisiana. The American Red Cross describes the Louisiana flood as the worst natural disaster since Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Senior Chief Musician Laura Grantier, Principal Clarinet and Clarinet Section Leader of the United States Navy Band, feels a special connection to the recovery efforts in Denham Springs, Louisiana, where she attended junior and senior high school. Denham Springs was one of the areas hardest hit by the flood, with an estimated 90 percent of all homes there damaged or destroyed. In addition to re-establishing basic needs to the population, many schools were devastated, including both the junior and senior high schools. With the flooding, many of the students in the band program there lost part or all of their instruments, and Grantier felt compelled to act. She contacted Buffet Crampon Woodwind Product Specialist Matt Vance to see what could be done. Working with Sean Wahl and Kyle Henkes of the Parts and Warranty Department at Buffet Crampon, Matt was able to compile 25 clarinet mouthpiece and ligature sets, as well as 15 alto saxophone mouthpiece and ligature sets, to send to Denham Springs for the students to use. “Crises like these remind us of how delicate the balance is and how basic needs can be taken away so quickly,” Matt commented. He continued, “While the priority obviously focuses on returning such essential things as drinkable water, shelter and power, those recovering need a return to normalcy, too. Students having the ability to make music again can go a long way emotionally and we are honored to make this small contribution to the Louisiana flood recovery.” If you would like to help the recovery efforts for the Denham Springs Junior and High Schools, please contact Dr. Andrew Hunter, Director of Bands, at denhamspringsbands@gmail.com