Volunteering for MHOF has been such a great experience. It's rare to find people who not only care for music education, but actively devote their lives to making sure this is a reality for all children in school. Being a person that has been directly affected by a donation of instruments to my middle school - which is the only reason I continued to play music and be involved in band - I connect to their mission of "keeping music alive." It was even more refreshing to meet the people working behind this motto who constantly live this. Even though I appreciated this organization before, I can't put into words how much more I appreciate them now. MHOF will forever have my support!!
The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation really does do what they say, "keep music alive in our schools." Because of their donation of instruments to my school, I got to take part in music class and had my own instrument. It might not seem like a big deal, but it is because when we have to share instruments we can't practice the same as kids who can rent or buy their own. I sometimes had to sit out because there just wasn't enough instruments. Music changed my life and I'm excited to go to school the days when I have music class. When we perform then that's the best! The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation and all their staff and volunteers and donors and everyone didn't just give an instrument to me and my classmates, they gave us a level playing field, equality and a chance to succeed.
It has been my pleasure to work for over a year with the wonderful and dedicated people at Mr. Holland's Opus. I was blessed to have parents who instilled in me at an early age an appreciation for music that over the years turned into an enduring love for it. While I pursued a career (now retired) in psychology, I never drifted far from my musical roots and made a promise to somehow give back what became such an important part of my life, and I found an entire organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children one instrument at a time. The people at MHOF are wonderful to work with, patient and supportive, very appreciative, and most importantly, just as interested as I am in helping others through music. Bravo to MHOF and everyone involved in the foundation!
I have been volunteering with The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation for about 6 months now, and I am very pleased with how well the organization is run on all levels. As a volunteer my tasks are clearly defined and I always feel appreciated. The organization itself is fiscally responsible and intelligent; I feel each dollar is well spent. Schools, teachers, and music programs are well researched to insure the instruments will be well used and cared for properly.
Almost every shift I see an email from a teacher or school relaying just what a wonderful impact MHOF has had on a student and often a whole class. It’s easy to find statics confirming that music education leads to higher test scores in math and science. What you won’t find in statistical analysis are the many stories of kids who finally have a sense of pride in a developing skill, a positive outlet for their creativity, a sense of belonging, or reason to come to school. These are the reasons I’m happy to support The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation.
Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation is impressive on so many levels. I appreciate that they keep me up-to-date with how my donation is being put to work. Their commitment to keeping music alive in schools is what attracted me to the organization in the first place. They partner with public schools across the nation providing them with musical instruments and their Program expertise. The fact that Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation is filling the gap for so many schools and districts that have been forced to cut programming in music and arts education is HUGE! Every child deserves an equal opportunity to succeed in school and music education helps provide school-success. Congratulations #MHOF for extending your hand in support of kids across the country who need your help to secure their music education!
I am a volunteer but also a retired music teacher. I work in the office almost every week, and am amazed at the hard work and dedication of the staff. I wish for a day when all schools are well funded in the arts, but until that happens, MHOP foundation is doing more than its fair share to keep deserving music programs afloat all around the country.