Award-Winning Author Orchestrates Donation Plans To Help Schools Get Musical Instruments

June 4, 2012 - PRLog -- Students attending schools that lack the funds to obtain much-needed musical instruments are the end benefactors of award-winning author Rick D. Niece's commitment to financially support Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation. Dr. Niece will donate $1 for every sold edition of The Band Plays On: Going Home for a Music Man's Encore, the second book in his Fanfare for a Hometown series. In addition, Niece will donate $1 to Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation for every new fan who "likes" his Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rickniecelifelessons June one through July 16.

The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation, which donates new and refurbished instruments to school music programs lacking the resources to purchase them, was inspired by the acclaimed motion picture Mr. Holland's Opus, the story of the profound effect a dedicated music teacher had on generations of students.

"In addition to bringing the beauty of music to deserving students who will benefit from the confidence playing musical instruments gives them, this two-part donation program furthers the legacy of my father, Lewis Niece," says Rick. "During his years as the director of DeGraff High School's band and chorus, my father taught not only music, but also lasting lessons of character."

"Because of the strong commitment of supporters like Dr. Niece, who understand the importance of music education in today's schools, future generations of students will have the opportunity to reap the benefits of playing and listening to many different forms of music," says Felice Mancini, president of The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation.

Celebrating the soul of America’s heartland, The Band Plays On is a heartfelt tribute to friendship, community and music. When DeGraff, Ohio’s beloved band director is invited back to DeGraff to conduct an encore performance, “Lewie’s Alumni Band” gathers to celebrate with gusto. As the band practices for its final parade, Rick reflects on treasured memories, relationships and the legacy of a small town with indomitable spirit. His first book, Side-Yard Superhero, is the 2012 Arkansas One Book, One Community Reading Program selection.

The Band Plays On, (eISBN: 978-1-58985-095-8; Softbound ISBN: 978-1-58985-094-1) sells for $15.95. The book, published by Five Star Publications, Inc., is available electronically through www.eStarPublish.com or traditionally through www.RickNieceBooks.com, BarnesandNoble.com, Amazon.com, indiebound.org and FiveStarPublications.com . For more information on the book, visit www.RickNieceBooks.com. To learn more about Five Star Publications, Inc., which celebrates 26 years in business, and its other award-winning books, visit the website, email info@FiveStarPublications.com or call 480-940-8182.

A Buck A Book!  One dollar for every copy of The Band Plays On sold will go directly to Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation.  More information about Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation is available at www.mhopus.org.