Students surprised with $20,000 in musical instruments

Students at Lakeridge Junior High in Orem were surprised this morning with $20,000 in new musical instruments donated by Fidelity Investments. Students received 10 violas, five cellos, two violins and two string basses.

More than 50 Fidelity volunteers also spent the past weekend making over the school's music room with new paint, furniture and decorations. Music teacher Megan Graves said in a Fidelity press release, "I love seeing the change in a student's countenance when they hear themselves playing a recognizable melody on a quality instrument. With this generous donation from Fidelity, the orchestra students will have the opportunity to play on quality instruments, feel a greater sense of achievement, and be motivated to continue excelling in school and experiencing the joy of music."

According to a press release, Fidelity worked with The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation (MHOF) to select Lakeridge Junior High School, which serves about 1,200 students grades 7-9, 50 percent of whom participate in a music program. MHOF is a national non-profit organization dedicated to bringing musical instruments to underserved schools and community programs. The instruments were donated as part of the Fidelity FutureStage® program, an arts education initiative created and funded by Fidelity® to support music programs in public schools across the country.