MUSIC RISING

In 2005, Music Rising was launched to rescue the musical culture of the Central Gulf region of the US from the destruction caused by the catastrophic hurricanes Katrina and Rita, by replacing the musical instruments lost or destroyed in the deluge. Co-founded by U2’s the Edge and legendary producer Bob Ezrin, the organization continues to aid schools affected by natural disasters nationwide.

In facing the devastation, loss, and emotional turmoil brought on by tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, fires and earthquakes, schools are not spared, and Music Rising is there in the aftermath to aid students and schools return to a normal life and routine. Restoring school music programs after this trauma is especially urgent, as playing music can bring a sense of community, healing and joy to kids who need this reassurance.

The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation administers the fund and works with schools requesting our help, replacing instruments and supplies lost and damaged by the disaster. More than $3.3 million worth of instruments have been donated, helping to restore music programs in over 100 schools over 14 years.

Schools seeking disaster relief are eligible if:

• Timely replacement of instruments and supplies via insurance or FEMA is not an option
• School had an established music program prior to the disaster
• School is scheduled to reopen in the near future either at the original school campus or a temporary location
• School has an adequate location for music classes and rehearsal, and safe, secure storage for instruments
• School has a music teacher in place
• School is able to verify that the need for instruments is to replace those lost as a direct result of the disaster or to serve additional students who came from another school after evacuation

Schools in need of disaster relief assistance can email MusicRising@mhopus.org, or call 818-762-4328.