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Marie Curie Middle School is a very special place. Art and music are the soul of the school, says Band Director Jennifer Schecter, who, remarkably, is in her 22nd year of teaching there! For her, the school and community are a second home and second family. She praises her current students as possibly the most energetic and exuberant class she’s had in her entire career!
“Many of the students struggle academically but thrive in band. They come to band class filled with joy and excitement and never want to leave when the bell rings. They love to visit my room during lunch on Friday’s and many have joined the Queens Salute to Music Program. While their energy can be hard to contain, their passion for music is inexplicable!” - Ms. Schecter
Ms. Shecter shared an inspiring story of the day when the principal asked the band to give an early morning performance at the main entrance to welcome the new Deputy Superintendent. She says, “39 kids showed up at 7 am to be ready! The students' performance spread joy throughout the school community. Everyone was late for homeroom because students and faculty alike were singing and dancing in the halls along with the band! While the principal's intention was to impress a new district administrator, the pride and joy we spread was a far greater outcome!”
When the students themselves are asked what music means to them, they’re clear. As one said, “One thing I enjoy about band is the opportunity to learn something new and step out of your comfort zone.”
There are 216 students (grade 6-8) enrolled in three Band classes: Beginner, Advanced, and Symphonic), but there are many others who are unable to join because of a lack of instruments. With so many eager students in the program, having enough instruments is a major challenge. Concert days are especially chaotic, as students must share instruments and line up in the hallway to swap between ensembles. Many instruments in the current inventory are difficult to play on due to age and condition, and heavy sharing further shortens their lifespan. In fact, several instruments predate the early 1970s and repair costs often exceed their value.
Ms. Schecter points out the added importance of music education at this point in a young person’s life. “Middle school can be a difficult time for students as they experience lots of changes both emotionally and physically. she explains. “The band provides students with a safe space and sense of belonging,”
Help this dedicated teacher give her inspired band kids the equipment they need to keep their passion for music alive and growing!
DONATE TODAY!
Your donation goes to Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation, allowing the foundation to work with the 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 the 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:
The 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.