"Plato is to have said that 'music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything'. I have always believed this and have seen, personally and professionally, how music can change lives." - Mr. Kellert, Director of Bands

The Griffin Middle School band in Tallahassee, FL needs your help! The students have a growing interest in band, but they need more instruments to make sure every eager student can participate.

"I believe all students should be able to participate in a music program if they want. No one should have a barrier due to cost. Teaching in a Title One school, many students do not have the financial means to rent an instrument or pay band dues, so I strive to remove as many obstacles as I possibly can through donations and district-provided funding. While our district does provide funds for music, it is not enough to meet the needs of my students, especially with a growing program. Much of our equipment is outdated (30, 40, even 50 years old), worn out, or otherwise lacking. Each year I am able to add to my supply of instruments, but each year I always have more students than equipment. I currently have two classes of students (43 total) who want to play instruments, but use buckets and drumsticks due to a lack of equipment." - Mr. Kellert, Director of Bands

Tubas, baritones, French horns, clarinets, and trumpets are needed to replace aged and unrepairable instruments and allow additional students to participate in the program.

With generous and transformative support from Eddie Van Halen over the years and now continuing through his son Wolfgang, The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation is pleased to announce that the Van Halen Family has committed to kickstarting the Adopt A School campaign with a generous $1,000 donation towards each of the first 100 participating schools.

Schools participating in the Adopt A School campaign are qualified through MHOF’s vetting and eligibility process, giving donors confidence that their investment is protected and sustainable, impacting students for a minimum of 10 years (the lifespan of an instrument in a school setting.) Donations made to this school’s fundraising campaign go directly to The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation (MHOF). MHOF then purchases the specific instruments the school is in need of at a substantially discounted price and the instruments deliver directly to the school.

"I am hoping that, with the help of the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation, I will be able to close that gap and have an instrument for every student who wants to play in band. Thank you!" - Mr. Kellert, Director of Bands

Donate today and help these students foster their love of music, every dollar counts!

To spread the word on social media or link to this page in your own fundraising efforts, use the links below! And to learn more about The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation's Adopt A School campaign, visit mhopus.org/adopt-a-school or contact MHOF at info@mhopus.org or 818-762-4328.

[5% of donations are retained for JustGiving’s required service fee, MHOF retains an additional 10% to cover administrative costs associated with school vetting and granting of instruments.]