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At Derby Middle School, the music program is a central part of student life. With three bands meeting daily, a strings program, and a growing modern/rock band, students have consistent opportunities to practice, play, and perform. The program has already created standout moments, memories that will last a lifetime. One example is the modern band, named Untied Shoes, performed at the town's 250th anniversary, has been featured on the local news, and even played a minor league hockey halftime show.
But behind this success is a growing challenge. Music teacher Jason Atkinson shared that many of the instruments in use are 30 to 40 years old. Over time, wear and tear has taken a toll. Flutes, clarinets, and alto saxophones need frequent repadding while trumpets and trombones that have valves that stick. While he is able to handle minor fixes himself, repairs have become increasingly expensive – often costing more than replacing the instruments altogether.
The condition of the instruments is starting to affect student participation. Some students who are interested in joining band lose interest when they encounter poorly functioning instruments that are difficult to play. For many families in this community, purchasing an instrument isn’t feasible. That makes the school’s supply essential to ensuring every student can participate.
All of these students need high-quality working instruments in order to grow and develop as musicians. If they do not have a good instrument, they will not be successful. These students come from a variety of backgrounds. Many families are new to the country and are just trying to get a foothold here; buying an instrument is often not a possibility.” - Jason Atkinson
New instruments would make an immediate difference. Students would spend less time waiting for repairs or struggling with broken equipment and more time learning, practicing, and performing. It would also allow the program to welcome more beginners and keep growing.
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.
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.