KENTUCKY COMPUTER STOLEN FROM SCHOOL Concert goes on despite theft

Thieves broke into a Lexington elementary school this week, damaging decorated boxes full of items for needy children and stealing a computer and about 10 instruments needed for the school's winter concert.

But the crooks didn't stop the music.

The band and orchestra at Stonewall Elementary School joined the chorus last night for the annual event.

On Tuesday, after rehearsing for the concert, fourth- and fifth-graders left their instruments in the hall and went home.

The next day was a series of disappointments, Principal Bill Gatliff said.

Someone had broken a classroom window and stolen a computer. After a flute, apparently dropped during getaway, was discovered outside, students tried to account for all the instruments: Ten were missing.

"That was upsetting to the kids," Gatliff said.

Later, behind the school, students found boxes they had decorated and filled with items such as T-shirts, Barbie dolls and hairbrushes for charity. The donations were strewn about a wooded area.

"That's just mean," the principal said.

The school's band and orchestra teacher pulled out some spare instruments and got some from music companies.

The value of all the stolen items was not known last night, but a trumpet was worth $990 alone.

Gatliff said most of the instruments stolen had been rented by students from the school.

"The ultimate goal is to get them back," he said.

The students, although upset, handled the situation well, he said.

Parents were notified about the theft, and maintenance workers have repaired the window, said Fayette County school spokeswoman Nema Brewer-Candy.

Anyone with information about the theft is asked to call Fayette County school law enforcement at 381-4200.