In mid November, the Mountain View High School band room filled with the sound of guitars and the energy of students discovering what’s possible when music is placed within reach. Breedlove Guitars, Central Oregon’s homegrown guitar maker, presented a donation of 75 high-quality guitars—valued at nearly $65,000—to middle and high schools throughout the Bend-La Pine School District. The initiative was made possible through a collaboration with Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO).
Students, faculty, parents, and supporters gathered as Breedlove co-owners Pete Mroz and Shannon Pollard performed and spoke about the power of music to shape lives. Young musicians leaned in close, watching as chords rang out through the room—proof that inspiration doesn’t always require a spotlight or a big stage. Sometimes, it starts right here, in a public school band room.
“These guitars represent opportunity,” said Mroz, a nationally recognized singer-songwriter and alumnus of NBC’s The Voice. “Music gave me purpose when I was young. If even one student discovers a lifelong passion from picking up a Breedlove in their school, that’s a win for all of us.”
Pollard, grandson of country legend Eddy Arnold and a lifelong advocate for the arts, echoed that message: “Creative expression builds community. It builds confidence. It gives young people the tools to dream bigger—and to see themselves as artists, leaders, and changemakers.”
The guitars will be incorporated into classrooms across six Bend-La Pine schools, giving more students the chance to learn, play, and perform. Educators noted that quality instruments reduce participation barriers and make students feel proud of the music they create.
“This gift will have a long-lasting impact,” said a Bend-La Pine Schools representative. “When students have access to real instruments—not just something borrowed or broken—they feel seen, supported, and excited to show up and learn.”
Breedlove will also serve as the official repair and service partner for the instruments, ensuring they remain performance-ready for years to come.
The donation reflects Breedlove’s deepening commitment to nurturing music education and strengthening the creative heartbeat of Central Oregon.
“EDCO is proud to connect generous, locally grown companies like Breedlove with opportunities that support our schools and our families,” said Don Myll, EDCO Bend Area Director.
As students took turns strumming their first chords, the sound was more than music—it was the beginning of confidence, self-expression, and community built through creativity.
This story is based on submitted information and has not been verified by our news team.
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