Imagine a 9-year-old opening a violin case for the very first time, running a finger along the strings, and hearing that first wobbly note. For 30 students in Monterey, California, that moment is close.
Their music teacher is building a brand-new instrumental music program at a school where many children have had little access to arts classes or after-school activities. For most of these 3rd to 5th graders, this would be the first chance they've ever had to learn an instrument and play together in a group. The teacher's goal is simple and beautiful: every child should be able to enjoy music, whatever their family can afford.
The chance they need
The project asks for 30 student violins in two sizes, enough for the whole beginning class. It's on DonorsChoose, the long-running classroom funding site where public school teachers post requests and the materials are shipped straight to the school.
- Still needed: about $1,336 when we featured it (October 21, 2026)
- Good news: every donation is currently being matched 2X
- Deadline: the project must be fully funded by November 16, or the violins won't be sent
- Students helped: 30 elementary students
Ways you can give this chance
- Give any amount. Even $5 or $10 helps, and right now it counts double.
- Share it. Send this page to a friend who played in a school band, loves music, or used to be a teacher.
- Pass the music on locally. If you have an old instrument in a closet, ask a nearby school music teacher whether they could use it.
Why music matters so much
Learning an instrument teaches patience, focus, teamwork, and the joy of getting a little better every day. For a child who has never had extra lessons, a school music program can open a door that changes how they see themselves. This is exactly the kind of chance Chances.org has cared about for over 25 years: helping kids join activities their families can't afford.
Chances.org doesn't collect money for this project; giving happens directly on DonorsChoose. Amounts and deadlines change quickly, so please check the project page for the latest details, and check before you give to any cause.
Looking for more ways to help? See all Chances Needed, or read Help Paying for Kids' Activities.