When Music Teacher Donald Hazlett first started at Bruce Guadalupe Community School in Milwaukee 25 years ago, there was no music at all being taught there. During his first year, he had 10 students. Today, there are more than 153 kids in his beginning band, middle school band, and jazz band. Some of his students are the children of his former students. He shared, “Watching this program grow over the years I have been here has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. I could not have done it, however, without the support of administration, parents, teachers, and this wonderful community.”

The community’s commitment, along with Mr. Hazlett’s dedication, has not only grown the program, but has led to extraordinary opportunities for his students. “We had the honor of having a visit and workshop with multi Grammy-winning Latin artist Arturo O'Farrill,” he said. “He later invited us to a performance where he asked students to join him on stage and perform.” His students also had a chance to play with Milwaukee Pops Conductor Byron Stripling, an unforgettable experience that showed them just how far their music could take them.

For some of his students, the classroom is just the beginning of a life-long journey in music. One former student is now a music teacher in Chicago. Others have pursued recording and producing. He hopes their stories inspire his current band kids.

However, Mr. Hazlett is unfortunately unable to open those doors of opportunity to every student at the school who wants to learn music. He says at least 20 students had to be turned away from band because the school just doesn’t have enough instruments to provide to all those whose families can’t afford to rent or purchase one.

He tells the story of three trumpet players from musical families who cannot participate because there are simply no trumpets for them to use. He says he feels awful that they haven’t had the chance to play, but he stays in touch and reminds them that trumpets will become available next year after a few students move into high school. He would love nothing more than to place a trumpet in their hands now.

Help break down the barriers standing between these middle school students and the rich opportunities this community provides.

DONATE TODAY!

Your donation goes to Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation, allowing the foundation to work with the school’s music teacher to purchase the school’s needed instruments. Instruments are then delivered directly to the school.

Every contribution helps! Your generous support will:

*Equip students with high-quality instruments

*Expand access to music education and grow participation

*Inspire creativity, confidence, and success in school and life

How your donation works:

Your cash donation goes directly to Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation to help purchase the instruments each school needs at deeply discounted rates (typically one-third of retail price). Instruments are delivered directly to the school; no cash is given to schools. A 5% service fee is retained by JustGiving, and the Foundation retains 10% to cover administrative costs, including school vetting and grant management.

With generous and transformative support from Eddie Van Halen over the years and now continuing through his son Wolfgang, 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.

How we select schools:

Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation identifies schools through a combination of outreach and research, focusing on those that meet specific grant eligibility requirements. Once a school is determined to be eligible, the music teacher is invited to complete a detailed grant application and participate in an in-person or virtual site visit. This process helps the Foundation understand the school’s unique needs and ensures that any donation will result in a sustainable, long-term impact on students’ access to music education.

More ways to help:

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 Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation's Adopt A School campaign, visit mhopus.org/adopt-a-school or contact us at info@mhopus.org or 818-762-4328.