LINCOLN - The sound coming from the music room at Lincoln School is clearer than it was a few weeks ago.

Some student musicians in the school's bands are playing new instruments thanks to the effort of music teacher and band director Holly Dybsetter, who successfully applied for a grant from the Mr. Holland's Opus foundation.

The $10,000 grant allowed the school to purchase 12 new instruments for the students to use: a baritone saxophone, a bass clarinet, three clarinets, four trumpets and three alto saxophones.

Since Dybsetter took over as head of the music program three years ago, participation has doubled. That meant there were no instruments for the 13 new fifth-graders who wanted to join the band this year.

Now Angela Krier, an eighth-grader, plays the new bass clarinet.

"The new one doesn't sound as muffled, so it's easier to play," she said.

Annah Gardener, 16, played on an old clarinet until this year.

"The new one is good quality and the sound is clearer," she said.

Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation recognizes that music programs across the country have lost vital funding and are unable to purchase new instruments.

Dybsetter said there's only enough money in the Lincoln School budget to repair old instruments, and money has rarely been allocated for new instruments.

"Learning music in school is a way to engage kids and give them something that makes them better students and better people," said Felice Mancini, executive director of the foundation. "They deserve every tool available to help them receive a quality education, and we want to ensure that music is in that toolbox."

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Robby Gehring, 13, plays the alto saxophone. He enjoys practicing and performing and is even more enthusiastic with the new instruments.

"With practice you get to know where you are going and where you need improvement," Gehring said. "With performing you get to experience the thrill of getting to go out and show everybody what you can do."

Dybsetter says receiving the grant shows her students that even though they come from a small rural school they can put forth the effort and receive grants and scholarships.

"I'm excited my students will be able to make music without worrying about their instruments breaking, my band will be able to grow, and I will not have to worry about having enough instruments for all my students."

Students are now preparing for the Christmas program, which is a favorite for students, families and faculty.

Reporter Alana Listoe can be reached at (406) 447-4081 or at alana.listoe@helenair.com.