S.C. Education Lottery and Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation Award Grants to Three Richland One Schools

Burton-Pack, Pine Grove and Horrell Hill elementary schools have received grants from the South Carolina Education Lottery (SCEL), in conjunction with the Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation, that will provide a total of 22 violin, viola, cello and bass instruments for their orchestra programs.

SCEL and the Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation have teamed up to support music education in the state. Through a partnership with the Greenville Growl East Coast Hockey League, the SCEL was able to donate proceeds from the auction of a team jersey to Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation.

The mission of Mr. Holland's Opus foundation is to put instruments in the hands of children through programs and partnerships with music retailers, instrument manufacturers, local businesses and schools. The Foundation acquires new and used instruments through purchase, direct donation and instrument drives with music retailers. The used instruments are repaired and, along with the new ones, are distributed to students and schools who have applied to the Foundation for support.

The orchestra teachers from each of the three elementary schools, with help from their principals, applied for the grants through the Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation and were funded. When schools and districts can help supply students with instruments, more students from under-served communities are able to participate in the instrumental music programs.

"We know that education is instrumental," said Ernie Passailaigue, SCEL's executive director. "By supporting the many facets of education in the state., whether it is lottery scholarships or K-5 enhancements, and now through this partnership, we can encourage schools to get behind the arts".

According to the Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation, on average, students who participate in music programs have higher grades, fewer behavioral problems, less drug use, better attendance records, and, in general, succeed more that students not involved with music education.

"Richland One is highly dedicated to its arts programs and staffing," said Nancy Pope, coordinator of Richland One's Visual and Performing Arts programs. "Unfortunately, in difficult economic times, supplies for the arts areas are often very challenging to fund. It is through partnerships like this that we will be able to meet those challenges and give any student who wishes to participate an opportunity to do so."

The awards will be presented to the schools on Oct. 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the S.C. State Fair. Representatives from SCEL, Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation and Pecknel Music Company will join with the orchestra teachers, principals and school officials to make the presentation.

For further information, contact Nancy Pope at 231-6859 or 231-6858.