Amplifying efforts to support musicians and schools in their recovery from natural disasters is the goal
In a unified effort to support schools devastated by natural disasters, the National Music Education Disaster Relief Coalition has been launched by the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation in collaboration with the Music Rising disaster relief fund. This coalition comprises esteemed organizations such as the CMA Foundation, Gibson Gives, Guitar Center Music Foundation, Music For All, Music Will, the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), NAMM Foundation, The Recording Academy®, and Save The Music Foundation. Together, these organizations are dedicated to aiding schools impacted by recent events, including the Los Angeles County fires and hurricanes Helene and Milton.
“Music Rising is rooted in the mission to replace lost instruments, but it’s also about so much more—restoring hope, preserving culture, and reconnecting communities in the wake of disaster,” said Bob Ezrin, legendary music producer and co-founder of Music Rising. “Together with this incredible coalition of music industry partners, we’re ensuring that the power of music continues to inspire, heal, and uplift those who need it most.”
Gibson Gives, a founding coalition member, plays a pivotal role by providing essential support for music education. Their contributions include supplying Gibson guitars and various instruments to affected schools, ensuring students can continue their musical education amidst challenging circumstances. Beyond instrument donations, Gibson Gives provides financial aid and mobilizes resources to rebuild music programs in communities impacted by disaster.
Erica Krusen, Global Executive Director of Gibson Gives, says, “Gibson Gives is honored to join forces with Music Rising in a coalition dedicated to rebuilding music education programs in schools impacted by natural disasters, including the recent fires in Los Angeles County and hurricanes Helene and Milton. By providing instruments and vital resources, we aim to ensure that students can continue to experience the transformative power of music education, even in the face of adversity.”
The coalition’s initiatives extend to collaborating closely with Music Rising, amplifying efforts to support musicians and schools in their recovery from natural disasters. This partnership focuses on directly aiding the restoration of school music programs through donations and advocacy, emphasizing the healing power of music to foster resilience and connection within affected communities.
On social media platforms, the coalition employs a storytelling approach to highlight real-life impacts and collaborative achievements, showcasing how each member organization, including Gibson Gives, significantly contributes to rebuilding music programs nationwide. By sharing success stories and fundraising efforts, the coalition aims to raise awareness and garner support for its mission.
Thanks to the dedication of Gibson Gives and its coalition partners, the National Music Education Disaster Relief Coalition ensures that music education continues to thrive in the most challenging of circumstances.
