Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation has surpassed $40 million worth of musical instruments donated to underfunded public-school music programs throughout the United States.
The milestone represents more than 43,000 instruments distributed to over 2,000 schools during the organization’s more than 30-year history.
The foundation estimates those instruments have reached more than half a million students.
Its programs help schools replace aging or unusable instruments, expand classroom inventory, and provide access to students whose families may not otherwise be able to afford instruments.
The foundation focuses specifically on public schools with established music programs that lack sufficient funding for instruments.
Those resources support band, orchestra, and other school music programs.
The organization said the need for assistance continues to increase as public-school budgets face pressure and instrument costs rise.
Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation plans to continue working with schools across the country to reduce financial barriers to music education.
KEY QUOTES:
“Surpassing $40 million in donated instruments is a remarkable milestone, but it also speaks to the tremendous need that continues to exist in public school music programs across the country.”
“This milestone is something to celebrate, but it also reinforces why our work is as important today as it has ever been.”
Tricia Williams, President and CEO of Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation
