Touching Lives

Giving and giving back... stories from people across the country touched by music.

 

A Bright Future Through Music

I was born into a situation of less than ideal circumstances.

In the fourth grade I began to stop caring about school and by the eighth grade I was barely passing any of my classes. I was ready to follow my friends and try to get kicked out of school so I would not have to go any more. That was when I met the high school band director, Mr. Larry Johnson.

He sent me home with a flute one day and I became fascinated with it. The flute was so entertaining to me that I began focusing all of my energy on mastering the instrument to a level that was at least acceptable enough for participation in our high school band. When Mr. Johnson heard how far I had come after only one night of playing, he took an interest in my musical development. He kept me after school for hours teaching me to play the flute. Every piece was like a journey into a world where I could escape my terrible reality. I could no longer feel the pain of a broken family and the predetermined social status I was given as a result of that.

In fact, I played so often that I did not realize how much time was passing. After a few days I moved up to first chair in our high school band. I lost all of the "friends" that were dragging me to the iniquitous side of life. I played all that year and all summer after that. The next year I entered high school. As a freshman I made my way to the top of my class with a perfect 4.0 grade point average. I won my first solo award at the Oklahoma District Solo Contest that year playing my flute. I advanced further and earned a superior at the Oklahoma State Solo and Ensemble Contest.

It was as though I had finally found something that would always be mine. No matter how bad things got at home, I could just play my music and I was in a parallel dimension. I liked it so much that before I realized it, I was playing my flute up to twelve hours per day!

Had I not taken up playing music, I would be with my old friends right now- living on the streets and addicted to drugs and alcohol like so many others in this area. Music has changed my life. I can use it to control my emotions, from Mozart to Beethoven to Debussy. This way I never find myself angry or upset.

I made first chair flute in the OMEA All-State Band for a record-setting three years in a row. I have won many awards and solo competitions. I was recently named the Valedictorian at my high school. I have come so far from the direction I was going, and I attribute it all directly to music.

Now has come the time for me to go on to college. I love music and I want to major in music, but without appropriate funds and the appropriate instrument, it will not be possible for me to continue. Music has lead me down the path to success and I cannot bear the thought of having to stop playing. If The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation awards me this wonderful Grant, then I would be forever grateful. I could follow my dreams and pursue a career that would be fulfilling to me. I could use my abilities to inspire others and help to reintroduce the love of music to the rest of the world.

Note: Holly Gaines was awarded a new flute in March 2010, the latest Michael Kamen Solo Award recipient.

 

Mark's father and grandfather

Mark 1978

Mark's son

Four Generations Join the Band

MHOF donor Mark Oster... "The (affluent) Huntington Beach City School District recently cut funding for elementary and intermediate school band programs and has lost roughly half of its students from instrumental music. Sound familiar? This is the district that I once took music lessons from and helped me become the roundeded person that I am today.

I am running an ad in Craigslist and am hoping that I may help make a difference in your own organization...and I will let you know if it becomes successful at my end to make a run up to you with a truckload of instruments."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Future Music Teacher Gets Award

I finally realized after years of hard work and dedication what my dream is. I was meant to teach children the gift of music; this truly is my passion. I constantly strive to be the best that I can be in all that I may do. Receiving an instrument from The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation is indeed an honor because it will give me the opportunity to go to college to follow my dreams. I have never owned my own euphonium. I always rent the school's instrument, but I have improved since the day that I had stepped into high school, and I truly believe that if I receive a professional euphonium, my dreams will have only just begun.

Jermaine F.

P.S. Jermaine is also the senior captain of the varsity football team at Oxon Hill High School, MD

 

3rd Grade Inspiration

I started on the clarinet in 3rd grade. How I chose the clarinet is definitely a story in itself. We had an assembly, lead by the music teacher. I couldn't stop staring at this cute girl, Aubrey. The music teacher played all of the instruments we could chose from, then went through them again one by one after which he asked who would like to play this instrument. Still staring at Aubrey, I saw her hand raise so I raised mine. It wasn't until the next week when we started our instrument class that I found out I had volunteered to play the clarinet. I liked it, and while it took away from time I could be playing with my friends, I found myself more focused in everything I did. School was never hard for me back then but because I didn't have to try I had a 'G' average (good; basically the equivalent of a 'B'average). When I began practicing with the clarinet my grades improved to a 'VG' average (very good; equivalent to an 'A' average).

When I began middle school, sports became more of a focus for me so the music lessons halted. When my freshman year at Boston University came around, my roommate taught me a few chords on the acoustic guitar and I haven't looked back since. I am now a Captain in the Air Force, flying HC-130P aircraft (we refuel helicopters in the air in support of combat search and rescue operations). I also have a very active performance schedule and even tour nationally at gigs I set-up on my own. To me it's the best of both worlds, and although it all began because of a cute girl, music has had nothing but a positive influence on me. Whether performing on stage or performing a vital Helicopter Air Refuel that could possibly lead to saving lives of survivors on the ground.Thank you for all that you do.

Phil Villeza, Capt, USAF, HC-130P Pilot

 

Still Rebuilding...Katrina Impact Lingers

Bay High School in Bay St. Louis, MS was heavily hit by Katrina. Although just 90% of their lost instruments have been replaced, they have no music budget to purchase a few remaining things. MHOF and Music Rising met the need.

"Bay Saint Louis was nearly wiped off of the map from this hurricane. Our area is what you would call ground zero. Our students were not able to attend school until 2 months after the storm hit the coast. We, to this very moment, still have our lower elementary and our upper elementary schools in portable buildings. The high school was still under construction until January of this year rebuilding and repairing damage from the storm. The middle school is the campus that had the least bit of damage and was repired first. High school classes had to resume, without any materials, in the middle school gym. The band director that was here at that time, told me that she taught band class by counting and clapping rhythms on the floor of the gym since every single instrument was destroyed by the 30+ foot storm surge.

We have lost 40% of our population. We have been hit hard by the declining economy and we are under some extremely stringent budget cuts that could greatly affect our band program.

Just a side note...our district has been providing 100% of the students with free breakfast and lunch since the hurricane out of a government grant."

Albert Gunsch, Music Teacher

 

Connection in New Orleans

I am the choral director from Chariho High School, we have worked with you for the past few years making donations to McDonogh 15 in New Orleans.

After much planning with Mr Harrison, 28 Chariho Chorus Students, 6 chaperones including Mr. David DeAngelis, Westerly HS Chorus director, 1 student from Westerly HS and myself traveled to New Orleans, May 14th - 17th. We spent a whole day at McDonough 15 and their students. We visited many classrooms, and gave small concerts in each. Some of them sang for us, and we listened to their fabulous band! We were truly overwhelmed by their generousity and welcoming spirit, as well as the positive nature of their entire school. Thursday evening they welcomed us with a traditional crawfish boil, and after only a short time our students were blended together. Friday evening, we gave a joint concert for the New Orleans community at the Lakeview Presbyterian Church. We decided to do the concert as a benefit for KIPP Central City, and their director was present at the concert. Unknown to McDonogh, we have raised $1000 at our benefit concert in the fall, and we presented them with a check at the end of the concert. I don't think you will be suprised to learn that Kelvin thanked us and immediately turned the check over to KIPP Central City and their program. It was an evening of the uniting of hearts through a common love for music.

It is very difficult to put into words the feelings of this trip. Many of my students have told me it was a life changing experience for them. There are no words to describe seeing students of all ages, from different cultures and backgrounds come together through this common thread. As a teacher, it is a highlight of my career. It meant so much to my students, to see the faces of the McDonogh 15 students as they played their instruments, knowing that in part our concerts provided for some of those instruments. Lessons were learned that go far beyond the walls of classrooms. We will always have a special bond with the students of McDonogh 15, they are in our hearts forever.

When we first started having our benefit concerts, you led us to Mr. Harrison and this school. Our musical journey with them has far exceeded any expectation we had. It is amazing to see the spirit of these students and teachers, after having gone through so much. And now the efforts of my students have reached out to another school, and next year McDonogh and Central City hope to have a benefit concert together. How powerful music is !!!

We closed our concert in New Orleans jointly, with their band, their chorus, and my chorus performing the song Arms Around the World by Greg Gilpin, " Let's be the hands that comfort every cold and lonely man, let's be the feet, for those who do not have the strength to stand, let's be the love that reaches out to every boy and girl, Let's be the arms that reach around the world." Thank you.

Lynn Dowding, Chariho High School Chorus Director, Wood River Junction, RI

 

A Student Thanks MHOF

Thank you for the new instruments. Your time and effort to personally deliver our brand new instruments was truly appreciated. I was so honored to be able to meet the representatives and then be able to personally show them the musicians they are are benefiting. Many of my classmates share instruments, more students can go home and practice which will increase the improvements of our ensemble and decrease the amount of time spent in class going over one section.

Our ensemble was growing before we received the proper instruments but now we will be able to flourish since we have new ones. There have been times when we would have to stop in the middle or rehearsal when an instruments stops playing correctly or when it is grossly out of tune. We would have to wait until the teacher makes a temporary repair in order for us to continue rehearsing with a balanced sound and to have the student continue playing the instrument. Now with the grant, the teacher will be able to teach more and spend less time on repairing malfunctioning instruments. We will be able to progress faster and sound more advanced as an ensemble.

My experience in the MS 158 music program has been a major change in my life. When I was in 6th grade I didn't know how to play an instrument. My friend one day convinced me to join instrumental and although I hesitating knowing that I had no musical background I joined anyway. Though I was the most inexperienced flute player in the beginning of 7th grade, I practiced everyday for hours just so I could catch up with my peers. I worked with Ms. Schecter (who was always busy repairing instruments) until after one year of experience I was accepted into Fiorello LaGuardia High School of Performing Arts. Music is my lifestyle and now as me enriching and inspiring the lives of others. If it were not for this music program I would not be performing at Nursing Homes, church services, appreciative relatives and inspiring and helping my younger sister and cousins with music.

Ms. Schecter was the one who inspires and encourages me to pursue my dreams of one day performing at Carnegie Hall and becoming a professional musician before my 18th birthday. Because of Ms. Schecter, I may want to be a music teacher like her and spread the gift of music to future generations. Once again, thank you for taking the time and effort to fly to New York and deliver our precious instruments.

Sarina, Marie Curie Middle School, Bayside, NY

 

William H. Macy-His Own Story Carnegie Hall, April 3 2009, MHOF Award Presentation

That I am standing on the stage at Carnegie Hall not withstanding, I feel completely qualified to be addressing you.

When my folks moved us from Georgia to Maryland when I was in fourth grade, I fell out of sync with school, and I never recovered. The differences in curriculum and techniques between the two school systems bewildered me, and I assumed the problem was my fault. I was surrounded by kids who seemed to know what was going on and having a great time, and I spent all my energy guarding my nasty little secret, that I was dumb and didn't get it. I carried and nurtured this secret through high school and college. And no one noticed. Not my parents, and not the dozens of teachers who spent hours and hours with me. I never once stepped into a classroom to learn anything. I only went to act like I belonged, and that I knew what was going on. I'm still acting to this day. Who knew it could pay so well.

At the insistence of my parents, after failing one college, I chose a hippie college in Vermont, where the only requirement was tuition. The currency of the day was talking a good game, and Lord knows, I could talk a good game. And then, one day, in an acting class, very near the end of my academic career, a teacher saw me.

My wife Felicity, who is an astounding Mother, says that her number one job as a parent is to "see" her children. To see them as they are, not as we wish they were, or as we hope they can be, or as we insist they become, but as they really are.

I had just finished doing a scene in this acting class, and in the parlance of my trade, I "had a great moment". This teacher, who was rather Spartan with his praise and downright Elizabethan with his criticism, just stared at me for a long moment. He had seen my potential, he had seen my talent. He had seen me. And I replayed that "moment" I had had in the scene endlessly in my head, and I spent countless hours trying to figure out how I did it and how to do it again. I really wanted, for the first time in my life, to learn how to do something. And it turned out this teacher knew how to teach me. His name, by the way, is David Mamet.

I stand before you tonight, because a few years ago I acted in a film called Mr. Holland's Opus. Mr. Holland, played brilliantly by Richard Dreyfuss, was a high school music teacher, and we are here to honor teachers. Incidentally, after Mr. Holland's Opus was released, I got a note from Dave Mamet, and he said "Macy, you blanking blank blank blank, I saw your blanking film on the blanking airplane and I started crying twenty minutes into the blanking thing and cried until the end. I had to put on dark blanking glasses and everyone on the blanking plane thought I was in-blanking-sane. Blank you, you blanking blank blank. Love Dave.

From Bosnia to Band, Maja's Story

Music is an extremely important part of my and my family's life. It is so important to me, that as a youngster, my parents would discipline me by taking away my little radio/cassette player instead of grounding me or taking away phone privileges! Every family gathering, even those in the middle of war, always resulted in everyone singing and dancing. The entire evening revolved around music and as a kid I couldn't wait until the formalities of saying hello and catching up were done so that we could get to the dancing and singing.

In Yugoslavian high schools there was no such thing as a marching band. Schools were very specific to whatever degree was being worked on and extra curricular activities were almost nonexistent. My parents paid for guitar lessons for me but sadly, I had just begun those lessons and high school when the war in Bosnia began. The schools were soon closed and life quickly became hell.

At 16, I was sitting in front of our apartment building when a mortar shell exploded. Six of my friends were killed immediately and I was severely injured, eventually losing my left leg. After literally fighting for my life over the next few months, I was fortunate to be evacuated to Croatia, Germany and then eventually the U.S. - Cumberland, Maryland to be exact - for ongoing medical treatment. Over the next 18 months I underwent hundreds of surgeries and the doctors were able to save what was left of my right leg. When I came to the U.S. I didn't speak any English, so I had to learn how to communicate in this new country as well as learn how to walk again.

Music continued to be a critical part of my new life. I learned to speak English by listening to music in my hospital bed and by watching TV. The nurses quickly figured out that music made me happy and they would bring me mix tapes of their favorite music. As a result I was exposed to different types of music; everything from Dolly Parton to UB40. When I was rolled into surgery my doctor would ask me which music I wanted to listen. I remember looking up at the I.V. tubing and watching the slow glide of a white liquid pass through the tube. By the time it hit the bottom I was asleep. I've always thought that this was such a gentle, nice way to be eased into surgery. Music, as usual, made even the scariest moments bearable.

A few months after my arrival at Cumberland Memorial Hospital some local folks arranged for me to leave the hospital for few hours and attend the town's Homecoming game. This was a major event in Cumberland, as the two local high schools competed for the title. Because I was still severely injured and had to be in a wheelchair, they decided to put me in the back of a pick up truck and drive me around the stadium while pulling a float with the Homecoming king and queen. I was desperate for a diversion and was happy to be out of the hospital, even if it was for a football game that I didn't really care too much about!

But something amazing happened that day. During half time, the band came onto the field! I was mesmerized. These kids put on a show like I have never seen before. It looked like a combination of camaraderie, hard work and music wrapped up into one.  That very moment I decided that I was going to be part of the band. I didn't know how and it seemed like a lofty goal for someone who was strapped in a wheelchair on a back of truck fighting for her life.

But in time, I began attending high school part time and immediately joined the band. The Band Director at the time decided to teach me how to play trumpet and read music because I truly didn't have any formal music education. (I had just mastered the English language!).

The following year Mr. Larry T. Jackson came to Allegany High School. Under Mr. Jackson's direction, football games and fight songs became secondary to band competitions, the Hungarian Dance and other classics while we worked tirelessly to make the band number one. Since I was musically behind most of the band members, I would carry a big xylophone home and practice at night and weekends. Mr. Jackson didn't care that I was from Bosnia or what my past was. He held me to the same standards as every other student and he expected nothing but the best. That year we started ranking in the first few places during every band competition.

Because of my injuries, I was unable to march with the band on the field. As a result, I found my place in the pit and I only had to march during parades. During competitions, bands only have a few minutes to assemble on the field, pit and all. To save precious minutes, I would be sitting in the back of the trailer and be pulled onto the field along with the instruments instead of marching onto the field with the rest of the pit crew. I am sure that Mr. Jackson had to explain this to a judge or two because it was an unconventional way for a student to come onto the field! 

During parades I played the cymbals which was excellent because I was able to practice walking. I would step along with the other kids, in rhythm with our music. Outside of the parades, I actually wasn't able to stand or walk for more than a few minutes at a time. Being in parades though got me pumped up on the endorphins that come from loud music and the energy from my band mates and the crowds. With every song, my pain threshold became higher and marching became my own version of physical (and emotional) therapy. My muscles learned to walk properly and to this day if I get confused about walking with a new prosthetic I will close my eyes and imagine those blue pants, with a white stripe, and black shoes marching down the street to a familiar rhythm.

While music consistently plays a major part in my life and helps me laugh, dance, power up, sleep or cry, my two years in band under Mr. Jackson's leadership have pushed my appreciation of music arts in high schools to a new level. Not only did Mr. Jackson introduce me to jazz, taught me how to read and play music. He also taught me discipline, hard work, pride, camaraderie and respect.  All these proved to be key ingredients in my success as a college student, employee, and now, a business owner. Running Vela Business Solutions requires every bit of that discipline, hard work, pride, camaraderie and respect.

Learning to work together on a team with close to a 100 students, all sharing the same goal and keeping in lock step with each other,  prepared me to be a business owner. The lessons learned as a member of Mr. Jackson's band has helped me work with major clients like UnitedHealthcare and coordinate teams with different skill sets in perfect harmony.  Receiving an excellent music education during high school goes beyond learning how to play an instrument and read notes on the page. It builds a solid foundation and prepares you for life.

When I look back on my time in Cumberland, I realize that being a member of the Allegany High School Marching Band allowed me to rebuild my life here in America while nurturing my love of music. I have Larry T. Jackson to thank for those memories and I join the Foundation in congratulating him on this well deserved recognition. Whenever I visit Cumberland and the band is playing, I make it a point to attend, wearing my old band jacket. 

 

Cellist Pursues His Dream

During the Junior Division Honors Concert, held at Ann Arbor’s Rackham Auditorium on Friday, Khari Joyner was named the First Place Junior Division Laureate.  Joyner, a 17-year old cellist from Atlanta, Georgia was awarded prizes and scholarships including opportunities for solo appearances with major orchestras, and a performance on NPR’s From the Top.

The annual Sphinx Competition presented by Chase for young Black and Latino string players has identified, rewarded, and promoted talented young musicians for over eleven years and awarded over $1,000,000 in prizes and scholarships. Khari is a Michael Kamen Solo Award recipient.

 

My Bar Mitzvah Project

My name is Max Weiss. I am thirteen years old and I love to drum. For my Bar Mitzvah Project I held a "Drumathon" to raise money and awareness for your foundation by playing the drums for four hours straight with my dad. I found your organization through the internet along with many other foundations. I picked yours because it stood out to me the most and supports kids that have the same musical interests as me but aren't as fortunate. I am happy to report that I was able to raise $1,500 for your foundation. I hope that this will benefit your foundation and allow many schools all over the country to keep their arts programs going.

Max Weiss, Sudbury, MA

 

A Love for Music

Enclosed please find a violin. I am now 70, but when I was in elementary school in New York City, I was identified as having some musical ability, was given a violin and subsequently took lessons for over 10 years. One of my later teachers was horrified at the inferior instrument that I was using and gave me the enclosed. My love for music goes along with the instrument and will perhaps inspire the child that receives it.

Helen Arfin, Irvine, CA

 

All in The Family

I grew up in Richmond, VA. When I was in third grade, in 1974, I decided to join the band and chose the clarinet. My first clarinet was an inexpensive plastic one that I cherished. My family did not have a lot of money. I continued to play and loved being part of the band. In the seventh grade my family surprised me with the wood Selmer clarinet I sent to you. I was overwhelmed with joy. I knew my family had made a sacrifice in buying this beautiful clarinet for me. I love it with all my heart and continued to play until my senior year of high school. Being in band was so many things to me. I loved music and being part of a group.

My daughter is fifteen years old today. She has played the piano since she was five, the saxophone since she was nine, and the cello since she was eleven. She loves music and plays not only for our school orchestra, Pine Crest School in Fort Lauderdale, but she also recently was chosen for the Florida Youth Orchestra. She plays cello in the principal orchestra. She loves music and also enjoys the social side of being part of something wonderful. I had always hoped she would take up the clarinet, but I am so glad she has three instruments that she loves to play so passionately. When I came across my beloved clarinet in the closet this past weekend, I just knew there had to be someone who would love and cherish it as much as I did all those many years ago. I hope you will be able to refurbish my clarinet and give it to a child who appreciates music as much as my family does. Thank you for providing the gift of music to so many.

Kathy Celentano, Fort Lauderdale, FL

 

After 40 years, the Band Remembers

I grew up in a suburb of Minneapolis, and band was the very best part of school for me. My high school band director, Roger Thompson ("Mr. T") was such an outstanding teacher, and he was truly a gift and mentor to myself and many of my classmates. He retired quite awhile ago and moved to South Carolina, but he'll be visiting the end of July. I have managed to contact almost 100 people who were in the Robbinsdale High School band in the late '60's, and we are planning a special dinner and reception for Mr. T on July 31.

The letter I sent to my bandmates requested donations to cover our costs (restaurant rental, cake, gift) with the promise that any amount over that would be donated to The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation. I learned about MHOF when I read an article about you in the Minneapolis Tribune and then donated my flute to be used by a student affected by Hurricane Katrina. I was very impressed with your organization, and I'm sure that Mr. T will be proud to have a donation made in his honor.

Barb Burchill, RHS Class of '67, Winona MN

 

Donor Featurette: Daniel Cafritz, Age 13

"My name is Daniel Cafritz and as part of a Bar Mitzvah project, I collected $1030.51 for The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation. Music has been a big part of my life since I was young, and I hope that my donation will help many people develop their musical talent.

Thank you for letting me donate to your wonderful organization, and I hope that all of the money that I raised is put to good use."

Daniel Cafritz, Bethesda, MD

 

A Cherished Instrument Lives On

"My son, James, owned this instrument through his 7th grade. He began playing violin in the second grade- his first instrument being one quarter size. He performed at many class converts throughout his elementary years, but in middle school he competed and won several medals which i still cherish today. Throughout elementary school beginning with the fifth grade, he first chaired numerous presentations. I was, as would be any father, exceedingly proud of his playing and his accomplishments with this violin. I tried to make certain that he always had a quality instrument and I present you with his last violin.

One most unfortunate and grief filled day he passed away. That was ten years ago when he was 17 and I have had great difficulty with letting go of this most precious remaining memory of him. His birthday was July 15th. However, I could see him donating it to a child in need who would give the instrument loving care while he or she concentrated on its song and who might remember him in prayer and song. Angels play musical instruments, I am sure of this, and musicians are God's virtuosity that raises our songs to the levels of hyms that serenade the world in the plaintiveness of peace and serenity.

I give this instrument to The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation and in doing so I give you that instrument and music that he loved so very much and which was an important part of his childhood and youth. May it find its way into the hands and fingers of another great virtuoso.

In my son's remembrance, please accept this violin for one of your students."

James Sean Healey, Camino Real, TX

 

Kids Helping Kids

"My name is Virginia Edman and I am a public school band director and instrumental instructor in Connecticut. Privately, I have a clarinet studio and a group of  9 high school clarinetists called The Licorice Sticks. This group has been together for four years. Besides doing community service performances, we began having a spring concert each June in order to raise money for an organization and focusing on the clarinet for that organization. On June 5, 2008, we gave our concert in honor of the Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation with the proceeds going towards the purchase of a clarinet for the foundation.

We are a very small group with very small audiences. From just barely over $100 two years ago, we raised $300 this year. These students are a treasure in my musical life. We meet every Monday night during the school year (as long as I bring chocolate chip cookies!). It has been the same students ever since they began as 7th and 8th graders. This September they will be 11th and 12th graders. They are so dedicated to this group...T-shirts and all! In today's society, it is very unusual to have a group of students wanting to get together every Monday night to just play their clarinet. They are extremely proud of themselves, their high performance level, and the joy they bring to their audiences. We have a lot of fun together and I dearly love them.

This email is to let you know that I will be sending the foundation a check for $300 along with a program from June's concert.

The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation is a wonderful foundation and I wish you only the best as you continue to serve our nation's student musicians."

 

A Thank You From Hawaii

"It is our pleasure to recognize the contributions that The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation is making to our community, and most importantly to our students.

Thank you for the work you do in promoting music education in public schools throughout the nation and especially for the donations to Pauoa Elementary School in Hawaii. We recognize that your gift will be extremely beneficial to the local community and to the education of our students. Your support is greatly appreciated.

We Commend The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation for its continues support in working together with the community to improve public education in Hawaii."

Norman Sakamoto, Chair, Senate Committee on Education, Hawaii

 

Words from a Grateful Parent

"Because of your foundation the lives of many of our students have been positively changed forever. I mean that in no small way. Your grant has allowed many, many children at N.C.C.S. to access musical instruments and develop their talents who otherwise couldn't be involved in music at school or at home. I personally know numerous students who have had their lives changed by participation in the music program. Quite honestly, if it hadn't been for music, I don't know how my son would have made it through the challenges of being a very bright, socially geeky and yet sensitive elementary student. As he thrived because of music, and I watched many of his friends do so also, I began to realize the power of participation in music in children's lives. It challenges their thinking, creativity, social timing and responsiveness, and gives them confidence by having a real place in their world.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for how you have changed the lives of so many children, for how you have directly positively improved their concepts of themselves as human beings in this often very rugged world. May the force be with you as you promote music creating joy in other's lives."

Kenneth Mutch, parent, North Cow Creek School, Palo Cedro, CA

 

...and a Donor

"Thank you for your letter. I picked your charity because you are doing
something that touches my heart in a very personal way. I was a band
member in school, both marching and concert. I played tuba/sousaphone, and
you know as well as I do that a public school family probably doesn't have the
means to buy those particular instruments. It is because of people such as
yourselves that my life was enriched by music during my developmental
years, and it honors me to be able to help give the same gift to a child
from the next generation."

Jason M. Tyma, SPC(P), USA

 

Alexis Gabler, MHOF Donor

"My 6-year-old daughter, Alexis, saved $53 of her allowance to give to The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation. She loves playing the piano and wanted to help other kids get musical instruments. We hope to make many more donations in the future."

Mindy Gabler, New York, NY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cheryl, Music Student at Gateway Elementary

"Dear Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation,

Thank you so much for allowing my school to use your instruments. I have always wanted to play a clarinet.

I love playing it because it makes this amazing sound… like a horn on a ship! It gives me this wonderful feeling…

I love to play it in band because I get to play with other clarinetists and other players in the band… It’s enchanting!"

Cheryl, Conneaut, OH

 

Campbell Hall School, Donors

"Campbell Hall is a K–12 coeducational independent Episcopal day school in North Hollywood. Instrumental music of all kinds is alive and well on this campus of 1090 students. The youngest students can begin studying string instruments in the first grade and older elementary students participate in orchestra and 6th grade handbells; the secondary program includes orchestra, chamber music, jazz, rock, and world music.

During the annual holiday Outreach Gift Fair, Campbell Hall parents and students were moved to share their joy in music through the wonderful opportunity offered by Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation. The Campbell Hall community was especially touched by the idea of helping to restore music to schools recovering from Hurricane Katrina, and the resulting donation of over $1000 was made with love and the hope that the joy of music would continue to spread, one school at a time."

Kathryn Allison, Campbell Hall School

 

Katrina Part II, February 12, 2008

MHOF Executive Director Felice Mancini and Programs Director Tricia Steel made a trip to New Orleans for a very special surprise.

"The last time I was flying back from New Orleans I had a sense of sadness – disappointment in the condition of what I witnessed post-Katrina. This flight is different. Yes, still the pang of sadness when flying over neighborhoods with trailer after trailer parked in the yards of Katrina-stricken homes, but this time I’m leaving New Orleans with true happiness for everything that happened this morning in that little school building on St. Phillips Street in the middle of the French Quarter named KIPP McDonogh 15 School for the Creative Arts.

We touched lives today – not just one, but several lives and lives of those both young and old. The surprise of donated instruments to the kids was received with jaws that dropped to the floor and little fingers pointing to the instruments on stage. The kids were excited and I have a feeling the music teacher, Kelvin Harrison, is going to have a challenge incorporating all of the new students that want to participate in his music program.

Speaking of the teacher – we had a surprise for him as well. We surprised him with the news that he has been selected to receive our Mr. Holland’s Opus Award, a gift of $10,000 that will be presented to him on-stage at Carnegie Hall on April 4th. When Felice made the announcement, the cafeteria roared with applause and every kid in the room stood up on their feet. They were proud of him. What an awesome feeling, to be able to thank this teacher in front of his peers, principal, students and family. Mr. Harrison has spent countless hours motivating and truly teaching these kids in its purest form. He beams with pride of their accomplishments. To see the reverse happen, to witness his kids jumping on their own feet beaming with pride for their music teacher was one of the most special things I have witnessed.

Yes, this trip feels much different than last time. Today gave past due credit to a remarkable teacher, it set an example to the kids of the great things they can do in life and maybe most importantly, it lifted this community. When these kids and this teacher return to their post-Katrina habitat, whatever that may be for each of them, they will share today’s memories around the dinner table. Maybe they will talk about how special a teacher is, how they can be a part of the band, how they got their picture taken or spoke to a reporter. I’m pretty sure of one thing, tonight’s conversation will be uplifting and the story will sing from table to table…maybe one of the best gifts we could have given in our efforts to bring the music back to New Orleans." 

Tricia

 

Bay High School “Tiger Pride” Band

"So many people have left and can not come back, to their slabs, due to home-owner’s insurance not paying off. Our community still does not have a grocery store. Thank goodness for Wal-Mart!”
Catchie Crider, Band Director, Bay St. Louis, MS

For two years after Hurricane Katrina, Ms. Crider and her dance instructor were the only directors for the band. MHOF donated thousands of dollars worth of instruments so that more students could participate and now Ms. Crider has a staff of 5. In 2007, the Bay High “Tiger Pride” Band made All-Superiors two weekends in a row. MHOF is proud to be a part of bringing back the music program at Bay High School in the aftermath of Katrina.

 

 

Christopher Castro, Michael Kamen Solo Award Recipient

"We wish to thank you for generously giving our son Christopher Castro The Michael Kamen Solo Award. He is truly enjoying his new instrument and his music teacher states he is thriving with the new sounds of music he is creating.

As you may know Christopher is a senior. He has applied to the following conservatories for the fall of 2008: The Curtis Institute of Music, The Julliard School, The Manhattan School of Music, The Mannes Institute of Music, The University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music and SUNY Purchase. He is also applying to “from the top” which is an opportunity to perform on the live classical radio show, which offers opportunities to students interested in the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship.

We must add that without your help Christopher would not be able to pursue any of these interests."

Julia Castro, Brooklyn, NY

 

Chris Neiburger, Instrument Donor

"I can't tell you how happy I am to have found you! I've wanted to find a good home for this violin for some time now, but nothing felt quite right until I found you on the internet.

It feels strange to call this instrument a 'violin'. To my late husband, it's owner, it was a 'fiddle'. Carl was a journalist by profession, but his great passion (other than me) was Appalachian folk music.

He wasn't a great musician, but he was the definition of the word amateur...one who loves the music. He played with joy and heart. There wasn't a tune he wouldn't try, a stage he wouldn't brave, or a group he wouldn't play with. He was a member of many fiddle associations and a sponsor and champion of musicians everywhere.

This is an old instrument, not shiny and attractive, but it has a good bright voice that I remember well. I hope you can bring it back to life, but if not, maybe you can piece it out for parts or, as a last resort, give it a decent burial.

I enclose a small check to support your efforts. I wish it could be more...for all the bad things that humans do, music is our redemption and musicians represent the best of us.

Good luck and good fortune, and thank you again for giving me much more than I'm giving you."

Chris Neiburger, San Luis Obispo, CA

 

 

Student from Nathaniel Bowditch with new concert tuba.

Fidelity Investments on a Mission

Employees at the local Fidelity Investments branch in Salem, MA surprised two school music programs in their community with new instruments. "What a fabulous opportunity we had over the past few days to witness first hand the excitement and fervor that the instrument donation to the Salem Middle Schools created! Thank you so much for your expert guidance in helping us find programs to which we could contribute," said Joanne Sheehan, Director of Community Relations for Fidelity. Collins Middle School and Nathaniel Bowditch Middle School received $25,000 worth of instruments.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is left of a St. Bernard, LA Elementary school two years after Hurricane Katrina.

Katrina Update, September 26th, 2007

MHOF Programs Director Tricia Steel recently made a trip to the New Orleans area to visit a handful of schools that MHOF has donated instruments to in order to get them back on their feet after Katrina. She describes her experience here.

"I just got back from an exhausting but thorough and very productive tour of St. Bernard Parish and New Orleans. I can't even begin to attempt to describe what I saw today. What these people have and are still going through is unimaginable. There are no reports on tv, no articles that can describe it. On the other hand, the schools that are up and running are overflowing with spirit and hope. After driving past one suburb after another that was abandoned and destroyed with everyone in the area still living in trailers, we would pull into a school and witness an entirely different scenario. The kids were smiling, joking with one another...they were able to simply be kids. We were flooded with appreciation from the district, the principals, the music teachers and the students. When we visited the students in the music rooms you could tell they were happy to be there. It felt good to know these kids are somehow escaping from reality if even for a brief part of the day by being in music class, and that we are at least partially responsible for providing that to them.

St. Augustine High School in New Orleans, LA with instruments donated by MHOF.

One of the schools I visited was Nicholas Trist Middle School in St. Bernard, LA. I was greeted by the principal in a beautifully renovated building. Everything was new. The principal proceeded to show us pictures of the school after Katrina…a gym with a wooden floor that rolled up and turned black with mold. Water marks high above student paintings on the wall. Hallways covered in black, more mold. It was hard to believe these were the same hallways that are now sparkling and covered with brand new lockers and a new auditorium that is top of the line.

The principal kept saying their school is much better than it was before Katrina. As we neared the music room, she turned to thank us. She had tears in her eyes. It wasn’t showing us the pictures of devastation, telling us the shirt she had on was the same one she evacuated in or showing us the only two decorations that survived from her old office of 12 years that provoked her tears, it was the thank you to us for bringing their music program back to life. This wouldn’t be the first time that people I met held it together when telling their Katrina story, only to break down at the site of kids playing our instruments, and thanking us. It happened time and time again. What brings them to tears is a sign that somebody cares.

The requests we receive won’t be the same – I will picture that little school building in need of instruments but most of all, I will picture what a donation will do for the kids, their families, and these communities. I will remember that these instruments bring life back to these kids and provide an outlet to forget about the grim reality they are faced with outside of school. It seems like such a small part to play after knowing all that needs to be done to get these people back on their feet, but nonetheless, it makes a difference for these kids…letting them know we believe in a better life for them, giving them a tool to heal and simply letting them know we care."

Tricia

 

 

Dustin Barrera, Michael Kamen Solo Award Recipient

“I’m a 17 year old Hispanic kid who lives in Downtown Los Angeles. Being the first person in my family to have an interest for music, I’m proud to say that music has been an integral part of my life.

As I go on with my music career, I hope that it can open the door for me to attend a great college and enhance my education. By obtaining a saxophone from your foundation, I hope to not only teach inner-city kids, but be able to share my experiences with them.

There are no words that express my gratitude and appreciation for awarding me with a brand new professional alto saxophone. As I go on with my musical career, I will never forget the blessing that this foundation has given me and every time I play my new saxophone, the importance of each note that I play, will represent the importance that you guys have played in my life. Thank you for helping disadvantaged kids like me continue their path to success.”

Dustin Barrera, Los Angeles, CA

 

 

Beverly and Ryan Ruppert, MHOF Instrument Donors

"Please accept these instruments, one alto saxophone and one clarinet, as a donation to your wonderful foundation. My wife and I were the original owners back when each of our parents first purchased them. We both remember them making the sacrifice for us to have our very own instrument and pursue one of the greatest gifts in life, music. The enlightenment, friendships, and opportunities that music gave us should be offered to every child or teen growing up. Even though our music careers may have come to a close, we are forever changed with the appreciation and open ears that music has given us. That is why although we each have many fond memories with these instruments; we realize it is not fair to hold onto them only for sentimental reasons. They now belong in the hands of the next generation of musicians, who can follow the path of music and see what doors it may open for them.

Thank you for what you do, your Foundation is a symbol of the goodness in life."

Beverly and Ryan Ruppert, Aliso Viejo, CA

 

Rebuilding Katrina

"The faculty and students at Abney Elementary School in Slidell, Louisiana thank you for your support of our school.

Since our school’s district is on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain, all of the homes in our district were either destroyed or severely flooded by the hurricane. Our school also received about three feet of water throughout the school. We lost many of our school supplies, and the families lost almost all of their possessions.

We reopened on Oct. 3rd, 2006 with 267 students. As of 2007, our student count is over 550. (We had 989 before the hurricane!) The students continue to return as the families get a FEMA trailer or have their homes repaired enough so that they can live in them.

The kindness that has been shown to us has been a boost to the spirit of our faculty and students. Your assistance helps us return to the important task of educating our students."

Jane Freeman, Principal

 

 

 

 

 

 

Morgan High School, McConnelsville, OH, Melody Program Recipient

"Last year your foundation awarded a Mr. Holland’s Opus Grant to Morgan High School in the Morgan Local School District. Our proposal pointed out that our school is in the Appalachian region of southeast Ohio and has an unemployment rate 4 times the state average. Purchasing instruments and equipping a band has been a difficult financial struggle for our community.

Our band membership in 2003 had dropped to 13 members. Our band marched without uniforms because uniforms from previous years were worn out. Through a strong rebuilding program by our band director, Mr. Friend, and our band boosters, the band membership had grown to 38 by 2005; but still no uniforms. Our boosters tackled this problem when in 2006 they committed to purchase new uniforms for $12,000 and by last year had raised the first $5,800. But the boosters were unable to tackle another problem; our aged and broken drums, some over 20 years old. That is when we turned to The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation and you came through for us by funding a new drum line.

Since the uniforms and drums were not acquired until last spring, the full effect of our flashy appearing band with new uniforms and drums will not be evident to the public until this fall football season. We are confident this will create the excitement needed to see our band grow to the 100 member unit our school had in the 1960s.

We made our community aware of the generosity of The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation by including an article with pictures in our bi-monthly publication, the "Morgan Reader", which is mailed to every household in our county.

Thanks again for helping to revive our band!"

Howard Troutner, Director of School Improvement, Morgan Local Schools

 

 

Terry Castleman, MHOF Donor of Bar Mitzvah Gifts

"I love music and have been lucky enough to have several guitars, as well as lessons. When it came time for my bar mitzvah and to follow the Jewish custom of giving part of my gifts to charity, my mother and I researched various charities. We learned that the twin brother of a dear family friend has been a volunteer for Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation so we went to the website and read about it. My mom wanted to look at the financials to make sure that our gift would mostly go to services rather than administration, and she was really impressed with the efficiency of the group.

I never saw the movie "Mr. Holland's Opus", but I liked the idea of a group giving other kids the access to music I've enjoyed."

Terry Castleman, CA

 

 

 

 

Sharrell Donatien, Music Student at Stonehurst Hills Elementary

"My name is Sharrell Donatien. I am 10 years old. I play the saxophone at Stonehurst Hills Elementary School. Music is definitely a large part of my life. Something fun, but something I am very serious about. Being part of the school music program has given me a beginning of opportunities to become a pro music teacher and a pro saxophone player one day. I think of these things everyday because of my music teacher Mr. Schoener, and The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation.

I am very fortunate to be playing one of many saxophones donated by The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation. I think they are doing a marvelous job by helping less fortunate kids. All of their instruments sound great and play well. I love playing music."

Sharrell Donatien, Upper Darby, PA.