Morgan Wallen Foundation Supports Eastwood Middle School Band Program

In exciting news, Eastwood Middle School in Cottondale has announced that its Stampede band program has been selected as a recipient of the 2026 Morgan Wallen Foundation Tour Give Back Program. This recognition will provide valuable support and opportunities for student musicians.

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“At Eastwood Middle School, we believe every student deserves opportunities to discover and develop their unique talents. We are incredibly grateful to the Morgan Wallen Foundation for this generous donation to our music program,” said Evelyn Peoples, principal of Eastwood Middle School.

Through the generous support of the Morgan Wallen Foundation and Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation, their music program will receive over $25,000 in instruments and accessories, providing students with enhanced opportunities to develop their talents, expand their musical skills, and thrive through the power of music education.

“We are incredibly honored and excited to receive this generous donation from the Morgan Wallen Foundation and the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation,” said Walter Hinton, band director at Eastwood Middle School. “For a growing program like ours, these instruments are much more than equipment; they are opportunities.”

In their Facebook Post, school officials said that “this incredible gift will have a lasting impact on our students by providing more opportunities to learn, perform, and succeed.” Also, they extended thanks to the “Morgan Wallen Foundation and Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation for investing in music education and supporting the next generation of musicians."

“These instruments will open doors for students to grow as musicians, leaders, and learners,” said Peoples. “As a school grounded in the values of integrity, resilience, critical thinking, and justice, we know that music challenges students to persevere through obstacles, think creatively, work collaboratively, and express themselves with confidence.”

Hinton said, “As a band director, one of the hardest things is telling a student we don't have the instrument they want to play. Thanks to this incredible gift, more students will have access to quality instruments and the chance to discover their potential through music.”

For students, this opportunity opens the door to greater participation in the band program and encourages exploration of new musical interests. Also, it provides access to the lasting benefits music education offers.

“We can't wait to see how our students grow because of this opportunity, and we are excited about the lasting impact these instruments will have on our program for years to come, said Hinton.