Robi On The Road: Ernie Boch Jr. Drives Students With Love For Music
WALTHAM (CBS) – You could argue that Ernie Boch Jr. is a household name in Massachusetts. Most people know him from his car ads with his iconic slogan inviting customers to "come on down!"
What you may not know about Boch is that he's a philanthropist and music lover.
The second generation car dealer has turned his passion for music into a foundation called Music Drives Us.
A graduate of the Berklee College of Music, Boch created the foundation in an effort to keep music and the arts alive in public schools.
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"Devastating budgets cuts are hurting the schools and some schools are charging kids to take music class. It's crazy," Boch told WBZ-TV.
One of the things Music Drives Us does is donate brand new instruments to schools who are struggling to provide them to students.
At the Whittemore School in Waltham, Boch and his team recently delivered violins, flutes, saxophones and other instruments to some excited kids.
"These kids want to play, but mom and dad say it's too expensive or they can't afford it. I'm always struggling to find an instrument for that kid," said Julie Souza, an orchestra teacher in the Waltham schools.
How important is music to these children?
"It makes me feel like I can do anything," one student said.
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