At PS/IS 30 Mary White Ovington, orchestra teacher Mr. Joseph Graziano and band teacher Mr. Andrew Lachs believe that every student deserves to find their place in music. Through general music, band, and orchestra programs, hundreds of students are doing just that: discovering the joy of making music together and building confidence along the way.

With 463 students participating in general music, 56 students in band, and 74 students in the strings program, the demand for instruments is high. In a school where 80% of students are economically disadvantaged, most students have to rely on equipment currently in inventory.

Music classes provide an important opportunity for connection, creativity, and belonging, and the music teachers work hard to ensure every student has the chance to participate. But the lack of instruments in the proper sizes often stands in the way.

The strings program owns three basses, which are too big for smaller students to play comfortably. The band program is also in need of instruments so all the kids who want to participate are able to take part. Mr. Graziano even has allowed a student to use his own personal bass so they can participate. While the student is grateful for the opportunity, the instrument is too large, making learning more difficult.

Reeds for woodwind instruments are a constant expense, and Mr. Lachs often finds himself purchasing them out of his own pocket so his students can continue playing.

With more instruments and essential supplies like reeds, this program can keep growing and these kids can get their music education off to the best possible start!

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.