US$1,250
raised of US$14,300 target
RCN 954604927

Story

The Bayard School's music program needs your help! The programs are in need of saxophones, a double French horn, an oboe, flutes, trumpets, and clarinets to reduce sharing, allow additional students to participate, and replace aged instruments.

Located in Wilmington, Delaware, Bayard Middle School is a thriving hub of creativity and resilience, where music provides students with an invaluable outlet for expression and growth. However, the music program faces a significant challenge: the lack of sufficient instruments to meet the growing demand of its students.

In 2019, Bayard Middle School underwent a transformation, becoming one of two newly formed 1st through 8th grade campus schools, merging students and staff from several local schools. Mr. Peter Antony, a dedicated music educator, brought a new vision to life by creating “The Bayard Borchestra,” a unique program combining band, orchestra, and vocal music to provide comprehensive musical education to all students, regardless of their experience or background.

“One of our students, Annette, came to Bayard with no formal piano training but a deep passion to learn,” shared Mr. Antony. “She quickly became an integral part of the ensemble, and when her parents considered transferring her to another school, she insisted on staying to continue her music studies. With the program’s guidance and preparation, Annette earned admission to the prestigious Cab Calloway School of the Arts, where she continues to excel."

Mr. Antony also reflected on the lasting impact of the program: “Former students frequently return to Bayard to share their experiences and encourage current students. Many have even gone on to become music educators themselves, using the lessons they learned here to inspire others.”

Despite the passion and dedication of its students and staff, Bayard’s music program is limited by a shortage of quality instruments. Many of the existing instruments were donated in used condition and are now beyond repair. Without replacements, younger students, particularly in 4th and 5th grades, may face limited opportunities to begin their musical journeys.

Music has already transformed the lives of countless Bayard students. With your help, it can continue to do so for generations to come.

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 MHOF’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 (MHOF). MHOF 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 MHOF at info@mhopus.org or 818-762-4328.

[5% of donations are retained for JustGiving’s required service fee, MHOF retains an additional 10% to cover administrative costs associated with school vetting and granting of instruments.]

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About the charity

The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation keeps music alive in our schools by donating musical instruments to under-funded music programs, and vital support services to school districts nationwide, giving economically-disadvantaged youth access to the many benefits of music education.

Donation summary

Total raised
US$1,250.00
Online donations
US$0.00
Offline donations
US$1,250.00
Direct donations
US$0.00
Donations via fundraisers
US$0.00

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