At Sandoval Jr/Sr High School, music teacher Andrew Cunningham offers students far more than an opportunity to learn notes and rhythms. Through band, music theory, and choir, he is creating a space where students can discover their talents, support one another, and experience the pride that comes with making music together.

Mr. Cunningham works to ensure the music classroom remains a place where students can explore their creativity and experience the pride that comes from making music together. For many students, those 48 minutes of music class each day offer a chance to step away from everyday challenges and immerse themselves in something positive and inspiring. As Mr. Cunningham shares,

Interest in the program is strong. When Mr. Cunningham held instrument fittings for incoming sixth graders, 20 students signed up to join the band. Unfortunately, due to limited instrument availability, only seven of them were able to join. At a school where 82% of students are economically disadvantaged, many families are unable to rent or purchase instruments, leaving eager students waiting for an opportunity that the school cannot provide.

Much of the school’s inventory consists of donated instruments that have served students for many years and now require frequent repairs. This means students have to share equipment with a classmate until their own is back in action. It also creates learning challenges. Mr. Cunningham explains, “Many of these instruments function only at a basic level and have limitations that impact tone quality, intonation, response, or range. As a result, some students are currently playing instruments that cannot fully handle their true range or technical demands. While this is not ideal instructionally, it is preferable to students not having an instrument available at all.”

Borrowing from other schools is a less than ideal solution. For example, the band has a bass clarinet on temporary loan, which is already in poor condition. Mr. Cunningham would love to expand the ensemble’s repertoire—perhaps even forming a small woodwind quartet—but current limitations make that difficult.

Woodwind instruments have been particularly challenging to maintain, as worn corks and pads can cause air leaks.. When instruments squeak or struggle in higher registers, students sometimes believe they are the cause—even when the issue lies with the instrument itself. Mr. Cunningham works hard to encourage them and remind them that their effort and dedication are what matter most.

Even with these obstacles, the kids persevere and the program has successes to celebrate.

This year, the band proudly represented their school in several local parades, earning a trophy from every event they entered. Hearing their school’s name announced as a winner was so exciting for the kids —some even had tears of joy. Seeing their accomplishment celebrated in the news the next day made it even more special. Moments like these remind Mr. Cunningham why the program matters. With reliable, high-quality instruments, even more students could experience the pride, confidence, and sense of belonging that music 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.

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.