Who knew that a movie made 23 years ago would become the catalyst for the creation of a namesake non-profit, changing the lives of hundreds of thousands of kids by giving them access to learn and play music in school – keeping music education alive and strong across the country?
The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation was inspired by the acclaimed motion picture Mr. Holland’s Opus, the story of the profound effect a dedicated music teacher had on generations of students. Michael Kamen, who wrote the score for the film, started the foundation in 1996 as his commitment to the future of music education.
Michael didn’t live long enough to see the full results of his dream, but his legacy will deepen each time a child has the opportunity to play music through our work.
The Foundation donates high-quality musical instruments to deserving, under-funded music programs, and provides an array of support services to school districts. By increasing the school’s inventory of quality, playable instruments, music teachers are given the tools they need to deliver a quality music education to students who want to learn. In collaboration with committed school districts, the Foundation’s investments are strategically placed as part of a K–12 district-wide plan to achieve positive and lasting results. Generations of students will benefit.
