MidAmerica Nazarene University’s performing arts program recently received a significant gift from Meyer Music with the donation of two professional-grade woodwind instruments valued at more than $25,000.
Mike Meyer, owner of Meyer Music, donated a refurbished F. Loree oboe and a refurbished F. Loree English horn to MNU’s Performing Arts program. The instruments were presented to Dr. Luke Johnson, professor of music and department chair, during a special gathering attended by Dr. Abby Hodges, Dr. Jenifer Lewis and MNU student musician Jena Kirk. Also at the presentation was Destiny White-Dixon with Band of Angels.
Meyer said the donation grew from a more than 20-year relationship with Johnson and a desire to place the instruments where they would have meaningful impact for future musicians.
“Mike has been a tremendous friend to music education in our region for many years,” Johnson said. “These are rare, professional instruments that will give our students a performance opportunity they otherwise wouldn’t have.”
Founded by music educators Ted and Betty Meyer, Meyer Music is a family-owned business that has been serving music students and educators throughout the Kansas City area for over 60 years. Today, the company operates three metro locations with multiple Meyer family members continuing the mission of supporting school music programs and young musicians.
The donation also reflects Meyer Music’s ongoing commitment to music advocacy through partnerships such as Band of Angels, a nonprofit organization that helps provide instruments and musical opportunities to students who may not otherwise have access to them.
For MNU student Jena Kirk, an oboe player, the experience was especially memorable. During the visit, she had the opportunity to play an English horn for the first time.
“It was really special to watch,” Johnson said. “Moments like that remind us how transformative access to great instruments can be for students.”
