We are proud to announce the formation of the National Music Education Disaster Relief Coalition, initiated by Music Rising. This coalition brings together esteemed organizations, including the CMA Foundation, Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation, Gibson Gives, Guitar Center Music Foundation, Music Will, National Association for Music Education (NAfME), NAMM Foundation, The Recording Academy®, and Save The Music Foundation, all united to support schools affected by natural disasters, including the recent fires in Los Angeles County and hurricanes Helene and Milton. The coalition aims to rebuild music programs, providing instruments and essential resources to ensure that affected students continue to experience the transformative power of music education. Together, we aim to foster healing, resilience, and community connection in the aftermath of disaster. To make a donation to support the coalition’s efforts, visit mhopus.org/donate-music-rising. If your school music program has been impacted by a natural disaster, email MusicRising@mhopus.org or call 818-762-4328.
Administered by MHOF, Music Rising rebuilds school music programs in the aftermath of natural disasters and is currently responding to the catastrophic impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton as well as the devastating fires in Los Angeles County.
In 2005, Music Rising was launched to rescue the musical culture of the Central Gulf region of the US from the destruction caused by the catastrophic hurricanes Katrina and Rita, by replacing the musical instruments lost or destroyed in the deluge. Co-founded by U2’s the Edge and legendary producer Bob Ezrin (also a founding MHOF board member), Music Rising continues to aid schools affected by natural disasters nationwide.
In facing the devastation, loss, and emotional turmoil brought on by tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, fires and earthquakes, schools are not spared, and Music Rising is there in the aftermath to help students and schools return to a normal life and routine. Restoring school music programs after this trauma is especially urgent, as playing music can bring a sense of community, healing and joy to kids who need this reassurance.
Schools in Need of Relief
Schools are eligible for disaster relief if they meet the following criteria:
- Timely replacement of instruments and supplies through insurance or FEMA is not available.
- The school had an established music program before the disaster.
- The school is scheduled to reopen soon, either at its original campus or a temporary location.
- The school has a suitable space for music classes and rehearsals, along with safe, secure storage for instruments.
- A music teacher is in place.
- The school can verify that the need for instruments is due to loss from the disaster or to accommodate additional students from evacuated schools.
The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation administers the fund and works with schools requesting our help, replacing instruments and supplies lost and damaged by the disaster. $2.3 million worth of instruments have been donated, helping to restore music programs in 89 schools.
For more information, or if your school music program has been impacted by a natural disaster email MusicRising@mhopus.org or call 818-762-4328.