Sioux City, Iowa – Sioux City North High School will soon receive 27 new band instruments and 13 new orchestra instruments, thanks to The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation, a national organization supporting music education in schools.
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 Pat Toben, head of the music department and band director at North 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 is significant to the community of North High. Being able to place 40 new instruments in students hands with a value of over $57,000 is a dream come true for our band and orchestra programs. Our students love the community of being together and making music together. With these new instruments we will be able to replace instruments that are no longer repairable and provide an opportunity for more students to be a part of our community of music making,” says Toben.
“We believe in supporting schools that recognize the importance of music education for their students,” says Felice Mancini, President and CEO of The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation. “To give more kids the experience of making music in school is more important than ever and giving teachers quality instruments makes a huge difference. The benefits are tremendous.”
North High School is the District’s largest high school with approximately 1,600 students. The school is one of the most diverse in Iowa, representing some fifteen different home languages. Students excel academically, being named to Iowa’s AP Index for multiple years, and succeeding through a wide range of activities from music to athletics.