The Lakeside Middle School band program needs your help! The band is in need of bass clarinets, saxophones, trumpets, clarinets, and flutes in order to reduce sharing and replace instruments that are broken and aged beyond repair.

"Lakeside Middle School’s music program is more than just a place where students learn to play instruments—it’s a thriving music program that has the ability to help them learn life skills and think creatively. The program is flourishing thanks to the unwavering support of the local community, and it continues to provide students with opportunities that many would not otherwise have. It is a story of resilience, creativity, and hope that can continue with the help of instrument donations.

For many of Lakeside's students, music offers a lifeline—an escape from the challenges they face at home. Millville is a town where a significant portion of the population struggles with low socioeconomic standing, and many of the students in the music program come from families who cannot afford to provide their children with instruments of their own. Without donations, the dream of playing in a band could have remained just that—an unfulfilled dream.

One of the most unique aspects of Lakeside’s music program is its commitment to inclusivity. While the program has grown and flourished, it has also remained steadfast in its mission to ensure that all students, regardless of background, have the chance to participate. With a focus on building character and collaboration, Lakeside’s band program isn’t just about producing great musicians—it’s about helping students develop important life skills like discipline, perseverance, and communication." - Erika Biaselli, Instrumental Music Teacher

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.

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.]