When you look around the stage at an orchestra concert, do you ever think, “Look at all that wood!”? My guess is probably not. On a concert stage, you will see:

• PERNAMBUCO from Brazil (bow sticks)
• EBONY from countries in Africa and Southeast Asia (bow frogs, instrument fingerboards, fittings)
• MAPLE from countries in Europe (string instruments bodies)

Musicians have used these woods for centuries without a second thought on where all this wood was coming from. These woods are in trouble. The availability of these woods for the future generations of musicians is uncertain. Pernambuco and some species of ebony have been on the endangered list for years. Maple is headed in that direction. Travel with instruments and bows could become way more restrictive.

I recently joined the board of a fantastic organization called Alliance-USA. Alliance-USA] is part of an international effort to conserve the wood that we use in string instruments and bows, with sustainability at the forefront. This could be huge- but we need your help.

If you are a musician, a music-lover, or anyone that cares about our planet, here are three things you can do:

1. Like and follow the Alliance-USA Facebook and Instagram pages Alliance-USA]. We need to get the word out.
2. Donate today for Earth Day. Follow the link in my bio to make a donation. We’ve been stewards of these woods for centuries in playing instruments or enjoying the music they make- how much would you give to see that continue
3. Make a recurring donation. If you really want to make an impact, this is the way to go. Even if you are not a musician- if you’ve ever watched a movie, and the film score brings the movie to life- these woods are what you are hearing.

So the next time you are performing with an orchestra or attending a symphony concert, please, take a look around, and you may find yourself thinking, “Look at all that wood!”