EDDIE VAN HALEN’S SON GIVES $100,000 TO HELP ENSURE “THERE IS AN INSTRUMENT IN THE HANDS OF EVERY STUDENT”
Eddie Van Halen’s dedication to music expanded far beyond the iconic music he created. For years, he was a proud supporter of the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation (MHOF). This organization makes musical instruments more accessible to students. Now, nearly four years after the rock star passed away, his son is picking up where he left off. In partnership with MHOF, Wolfgang Van Halen has launched what’s being called the Adopt a School campaign. This allows donors to support musical education by sponsoring qualifying schools across the country. This, in turn, gives them access to much-needed resources, including instruments.
“Our mission is to make sure there is an instrument in the hands of every student who needs and wants one,” Tricia Williams, CEO of MHOF, says. “By increasing schools’ inventories of quality, playable instruments, music teachers will have the tools they need to deliver a quality music education to students who want to learn.” As it stands, far too many schools don’t have the budget to support musical education. This need is highlighted in a national survey by Guitar World. It found that 68% of educators have turned away a student because of a lack in music-related resources.
Eddie Van Halen’s Son, Wolfgang, Carries on Legacy in Partnership With Mr. Holland’s Opus. Foundation That’s why Van Halen is so passionate about continuing the work his father started. One way he’s doing this is by donating $100,000 to kickstart the funds needed to make this campaign a success.
“Music has been a huge part of my life, and it is our family’s great pleasure to help support music education programs and bring the gift of music to students across the country,” Van Halen says. “Music education has proven to be a huge contributor toward a student’s success in school, and in life.”
There’s no doubt that his father would be oh-so proud of his life-changing contributions!
