MATTAWA - The Wahluke Junior High and Wahluke High School music programs will soon have several new or refurbished instruments, thanks to The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation.

The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation donates musical instruments to under-served schools, community music programs and individual students nationwide. It is an effort to give youngsters the benefits of music education.

"Learning music in school is a way to engage kids and give them something that makes them better students and better people," said Felice Mancini, executive director of The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation. "They deserve every tool available to help them receive a quality education, and we want to ensure that music is in that toolbox."

The foundation was inspired by the 1995 motion picture Mr. Holland's Opus and founded by Michael Kamen, who composed the music for the movie and countless others. More than 15,000 new and refurbished instruments have been donated to 1,273 school and community music programs in the last 16 years.

An application for support was submitted by WJH/WHS Band Director, James Jydstrup. The foundation found the program to be a worthwhile investment.

"This is obviously outstanding news for the district and ultimately our students," WJH Principal Andy Harlow said.

"I'm especially happy for our band director, Mr. Jydstrup, because this will only help him continue the tremendous work he has been doing over the last several years to build the WJH and WHS music program."

More info can be found at www.mhopus.org.