ORANGE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TO RECEIVE
NEW MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

National Foundation Awards Grant to Outstanding Local Music Program

ORANGE, CALIFORNIA - January 27, 2017 – Orange High School will soon receive new musical instruments, thanks to The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation.

With many school music programs across the country losing vital funding, the foundation helps under-served schools with minimal budgets by donating new instruments, often replacing some that are more than 30 years old.

An application for support was submitted by Orange High School and the foundation found their program to be a worthwhile investment, allowing more students to be able to play and experience the benefits of music education.

“This grant will give more Orange High students the opportunity to grow and experince the art of music for years to come,” stated Principal Dennis McCuistion. “We are thankful to The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation for understanding the value and assisting in the development of art education in our community.”

Orange High School’s instrumental music program has grown by one section in recent years, under the leadership of Scott Arakawa. The hard work of teachers at Portola and Yorba Middle Schools, which feed into Orange High, along with Arakawa’s passion for teaching and love of music, have cultivated an environment that encourages excitement for music education on campus.

“Giving more kids access to quality music education will transform and accelerate learning not only in school but in life,” said Felice Mancini, President & CEO of The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation.  “All children deserve this gift and we applaud the teachers and school districts that recognize and support their music programs. We will support you!"

The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation donates musical instruments to under-funded schools in an effort to give youngsters the many benefits of music education, help them to be better students and inspire creativity and expression through playing music. The organization was inspired by the 1995 motion picture Mr. Holland’s Opus and founded by Michael Kamen, who composed the music for the movie and countless others.  In the last 20 years, over 20,000 instruments have been donated to 1,415 schools across the country.  More information can be found at www.mhopus.org.