Riverside High Received Musical Instruments Donation
The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation provided $38,500 in new gear to support the school music program in Jacksonville.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Riverside High School in Jacksonville has received a $38,500 donation of new musical instruments. The gift was funded by fans of the Tedeschi Trucks Band as part of an annual day of service.
Why it matters
The donation honors the legacy of the late musician Kofi Burbridge, who died in 2019. The initiative aims to bolster the school music program and provide students with necessary equipment.
The donation includes 22 items, such as clarinets, flutes, trumpets, and euphoniums, valued at $38,500. This contribution is part of a foundation that has donated $40 million in equipment since its inception 30 years ago.
The players
Tedeschi Trucks Band
This musical ensemble is a blues rock group based in Jacksonville.
Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation
Founded by Michael Kamen, this organization supports music education by providing instruments to schools.
Kofi Burbridge
He was a talented musician and a long-time member of the Tedeschi Trucks Band until his death.
Riverside High School
This educational institution serves the local community as the recipient of the music equipment donation.
The details
Fans of the Tedeschi Trucks Band raised the funds during the Kofi Day of Service to support the music department at Riverside High School. The equipment package includes six clarinets, six flutes, four trumpets, two French horns, two euphoniums, one alto saxophone, and one suspended cymbal.
Timeline
2019: Musician Kofi Burbridge died.
1995: Motion picture Mr. Holland's Opus released.
Market Landscape
Philanthropic support for arts education has become a critical lifeline as schools face tightening budgets and rising equipment costs. The foundation's work mirrors long-standing efforts by non-profits to fill infrastructure gaps within public school systems.
Students at Riverside High School will have immediate access to updated instruments for their musical training. This donation reduces the financial burden on the music program and ensures students can participate in school band activities with high-quality gear.
The takeaway
Supporting music education remains a vital way for fans to honor the memories of influential artists. Communities can leverage similar grassroots fundraising to provide students with essential tools for artistic development.
Further reading
Learn more about local charitable initiatives on the Philanthropy page.
More information
View the foundation's impact report and program details on the Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Florida Times-Union.
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