The orchestra program is set to receive funds for new instruments thanks to the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation. The foundation is named for the 1995 movie starring Richard Dreyfuss as a beloved high school music teacher.

Zenas Alexander, director of the orchestra program, has seen the program grow from 13 students to 50 over the last few years and saw the need for more instruments.

“The district did a survey about the musical needs of each school, and as the only Orchestra program in the district, I wanted to communicate that we need extra instruments to help continue the growth of the program,” he said.

Participating in band and orchestra is not cheap, especially for students who aren’t able to buy their own instruments.

“One of the reasons that students do not join musical ensembles is the fact that they must rent instruments out of their own pocket,” Mr. Alexander said.  “I want to alleviate that financial burden as much as I can by having as many good quality school-owned instruments as I can.”

Having more school-owned instruments equals more student participation, resulting in a fuller sound of the orchestra.

“They [new instruments] help us so much, not only with the sound of our ensemble, but they help us be able to recruit students,” Mr. Alexander said.  “As the Orchestra, we are constantly trying to recruit members who want to learn how to perform on String instruments, and having more of those will allow more students to participate.”

According to their website, “the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation keeps music alive in our schools by providing vital support services to school districts, and new musical instruments to underfunded music programs nationwide, giving under-represented youth access to the many benefits of music education, leading them to success in school, and inspiring creativity and expression through playing music.”