Johnson High School Music Program
Organised by Mr. Holland's Opus FoundationJohnson High School in Saint Paul, MN needs support for their music program.
Story
The Johnson High School music program needs your support! The program is in need of violas, violins, acoustic guitars, clarinets, flutes, saxophones, and a marimba to replaced aged instruments that are beyond repair, allow additional students to participate, and reduce instrument sharing.
At Johnson High School, music isn’t just an extracurricular activity—it’s a community, a place where passion is built, and a launchpad for dreams. Our bands and orchestras (as well as the other music classes offered here) bring together students from all walks of life; teaching discipline, teamwork, and the transformative power of music. Many of our students come from families that cannot afford their own instruments, and instrument donations have been the bridge that allows them to participate fully. Close to 100% of my students rent instruments for the school. My students deserve to play on instruments that are high quality and in working order. Unfortunately many of my instruments are in a state of disrepair and the cost to repair many outweighs the value of the instrument. I get a small repair budget each year, and I do not get a budget to purchase new instruments once I have to retire older dysfunctional instruments.
One memorable story comes from a student named K, who joined our orchestra as a Sophomore with no prior experience. She knew she wanted to learn the cello - unfortunately her schedule didn't work to be a part of the beginning orchestra class, but she was determined to learn and joined the intermediate/advanced orchestra class...after 3 months of REALLY hard work she is able to play grade 2-3 music with her section! By having an inventory of working instruments, we're able to allow students like K to follow their dreams. My students deserve the best!
An instrument donation doesn’t just provide an object; it provides opportunity. It allows a student to discover their voice, connect with others, and experience the joy of creating something beautiful. With every donation, you help us ensure that music remains accessible to all, enriching both our students’ lives and our community as a whole. - Mr. Hanlon-Alle, Band Director
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 the Foundation’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. The Foundation 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 us at info@mhopus.org or 818-762-4328.
[5% of donations are retained for JustGiving’s required service fee, the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation retains an additional 10% to cover administrative costs associated with school vetting and granting of instruments.]