West High School received more than a dozen new musical instruments in April 2026, thanks to Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation, a national organization supporting music education in schools.

The donation totaled nearly $24,000 worth of instruments, which was made possible through generous funding from the Van Halen family and other donors who supported the campaign. This donation included 15 band and orchestra instruments, and several boxes of reeds.

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

“Receiving these instruments has been a remarkable gift to our students,” West High School Band and Orchestra Director Danielle Scherer said. “These instruments provide students with reliable tools they need to express themselves and bring music to life. The immediate impact is clear: there is a renewed passion and excitement for learning and pursuing musical excellence. My students and I are so grateful for this foundation and the people that support music education in schools.”

The students are also grateful for the instruments from Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation.

“I am so grateful for a new viola as I was originally playing with a very old instrument where the pegs were slipping and unable to tune accurately,” one student said. “I am super grateful for the new instruments where we can play freely and without worry!”  

“The new saxophone I was given to play has made me want to practice more and improve my musical skills,” another student said. “I have become more confident and excited about being in band!”

Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation keeps music alive in schools across the country by donating musical instruments to music programs, giving more youth access to the many benefits of music education, leading them to success in school and inspiring creativity and expression through playing music.

“Our mission is to ensure that every student with the passion and drive to learn music has an instrument in their hands,” Tricia Williams, President and CEO of the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation said. “By expanding schools’ inventories with quality, playable instruments, we remove financial barriers for both schools and families, ensuring that all students can experience the lifelong benefits of music education.”

Thank you to the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation for supporting students at West High School.