Give the Gift of Music to Under-Served Students

When you donate to The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation, you’re not only putting an instrument into a child’s hands, you’re providing opportunities, creating friendships, and uplifting entire communities. We hope enjoy reading these updates from two schools that benefited from your support:

“Our program has flourished during these past few years, and we have been fortunate to receive successes not only in reputation through our community and parental support, but through our administration, who has been amazing in envisioning where they see the benefit of a quality music education for our scholars. We currently have 240 students in the band program. Almost all of whom never played an instrument before, let alone have taken a music class. I have had the privilege of being, for many of these students, the only music teacher they have had to date. I feel with that responsibility, the opportunity to demonstrate to our students the ability to proficiently play a musical instrument, will be a part of their day-to-day activities as they map their journey through life.

One of the benefits of music education is where it can take our students. One in particular, was a french horn player I had last year who will be attending his first year at Oberlin in Ohio. He will be studying mathematics and music education. His future aspirations are to come back to his neighborhood and teach students many of the same principals that he learned while he was a student in my class. All he was given was an instrument and an opportunity to shine. He never had to sit in my class without or share an instrument with someone.”

Robert Vega, Director of Bands, Rauner College Prep, Chicago IL

“I wanted to send this photo from KIPP Bridge's band concert tonight. I love this photo because it represents the friendship that students make through music. These students have become great friends by working hard together and seeing each other succeed and fail in music. Thanks again for giving KIPP Bridge students a chance to experience the friendship that music creates!”

Liz Berliant, Music Teacher, KIPP Bridge Charter School, Oakland CA

We are excited for the new year. With you in our corner, we will reach more students than ever!