Touching Lives

Music is a gift that touches lives every day. Through our work and the contributions of thousands of donors, young people experience the power and the joy of playing music. We hope you enjoy their stories.

Getting Down to Business

Dustin was awarded an alto sax in 2006 through the Michael Kamen Solo Program. Only 16 at the time, he showed exceptional talent and passion for life and for his music. We're thrilled with his progress!

"I'm currently on my 5th year of undergrad at USC, and will be graduating in May 2012..."

This Drumline Rocks

The Columbia, MO Citywide Drumline and Rhythm (CMCDR) is alive and doing very well. This year we had eighteen new participants sign up for the CMCDR program. This figure is twice as many as signed up at this time last year.

A Young Dreamer

"From the time I was ten years old, I knew I wanted to be an orchestra teacher. I am blessed to say that this came to fruition!"

Alyssa Blount was awarded a violin in 1998. We recently got an update about her life and career.

Resourcefulness Pays Off

Ashley Hale lives with her father and two siblings in SeaTac WA. Ashley, the most recent Michael Kamen Solo Award recipient graduated high school this year with a 4.0 GPA.

"I have never had enough money to take private trumpet lessons. For new skills, I would look online for recorded trumpet lessons..."

A Perfect Fit

At the beginning of last year, this young man approached me (as an 8th grader). I had not known him, but none-the-less, in a slightly awkward way he asked me if you could join band. In the past I have been hesitant to start beginners with students who have been playing for several years, but he assured me that it was something he wanted to do and something he would work at.

My Dream Flute!

Michael Kamen Solo Award recipient Ryan Norville from Fort Myers FL:

I would like to begin by saying thank you for your enormous donation to make my future as a professional musician possible. My life so far as a musician has been filled with many financial hardships, and there was no way I would have been able to purchase my dream flute without your help.

Lucas Moves On

Please accept this instrument as a donation to your foundation. I was only 13 years old when I began playing the tuba and at the time the big black case was almost bigger than me. We were living in Prague, Czech Republic; my father was working for an American corporation. I originally played the French horn but quickly decided that I wanted something bigger and louder and fell in love with the tuba.

A Promise Kept

A Clarinet's Journey

My son played this clarinet in both middle and high schools. It has traveled the country with an award-winning high school marching band, played for presidents and Mickey Mouse, from the Orange Bowl to Disneyland, as well as countless competitions and half-time shows.

Pride in Walkerville

I wish you could have been here to see the arrival and opening of the instruments! The principal came running to find me, saying a huge FedEx truck was here with something from MHOF, picking up students as he came. When we saw that the first delivery was from the Yamaha company, we couldn't get those boxes in the school fast enough.

1 2 3 4 5

Page size

select