When 14-year-old Brendan Wheeler proposed an Eagle Scout project focused on collecting and repairing musical instruments for low-income children, he expected to gather about 25 instruments. However, in just a few months, Brendan surpassed all expectations, collecting and repairing more than 100 instruments.
“The response was overwhelming,” said Brendan, a trumpet player in Langley High School’s marching band. “People I’d never met from around the D.C. area, along with fellow Scouts and bandmates, showed incredible support. Donations just kept flooding in.”
Brendan, who lives in Great Falls, Virginia, came up with the idea after watching The Last Repair Shop, a documentary about people who repair musical instruments for students in Los Angeles. It struck a chord with him, aligning perfectly with his passion for music.
“I wanted my Eagle Scout project to be meaningful and long-lasting,” said Brendan, who started playing the trumpet in fifth grade, inspired by his father. “This project felt like the perfect fit.”
His mother, Megan Kenna, was initially surprised by his idea since it was quite different from the typical projects Scouts in his troop undertake. “It was unique to him and reflected something he truly cared about,” she said.
Brendan began planning the project in June, initially setting a goal to collect 50 instruments, though he only expected around 25. With the school year starting in August, he distributed fliers and used Facebook to spread the word, enlisting help from other Scouts.
The community responded quickly. Brendan received donations at a rate of about two per day for a month. By mid-December, he had collected more than 100 instruments, including recorders, flutes, cellos, and even a banjolele—a hybrid of a banjo and ukulele.
With experience in maintaining brass instruments and guidance from his father on fixing guitars, Brendan tackled the repairs. For instruments he was less familiar with, he turned to YouTube tutorials for help.
On December 15, about 20 volunteers joined Brendan at his house to help repair the instruments. He organized stations for brass, strings, percussion, and woodwinds, assigning tasks based on skill levels. For those without musical experience, Brendan provided instructions.
Most instruments needed only cleaning or oiling to restore functionality. Others required more extensive disassembly and repairs. After four hours of teamwork, all the instruments were ready for use.
Brendan donated the restored instruments to Hungry for Music, a Woodstock, Virginia-based nonprofit that provides instruments to low-income students worldwide. Jeff Campbell, the organization’s founder, praised Brendan’s efforts.
“Most youths collecting instruments as service projects gather a few dozen. Brendan’s collection of over 100, combined with his effort to clean and prepare them, stands out,” Campbell said. “He did an incredible job.”
Brendan still needs to earn one more merit badge, write a report, and complete interviews to officially become an Eagle Scout. However, completing the service project marked a major milestone.
Reflecting on his work, Brendan said he felt proud to share his love of music with children who might not have access to quality instruments. “It’s bittersweet that the project is over, but I’m excited to see how these instruments bring joy to others’ lives,” he said.
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