GRAMMY Award-winning guitarist Tom Morello has partnered with Gibson Gives and national nonprofit Music Will for a special music education event at Manual Arts High School in South Los Angeles, surprising students with a donation of Gibson guitars to support the expansion of the school’s growing music program.
The visit, taking place Thursday, February 26, serves as an early kickoff to Music In Our Schools Month in March, a nationwide initiative celebrating the importance of music education. During an auditorium program from 11:00 AM to 12:15 PM, students will receive new instruments in a surprise presentation, followed by live student band performances with feedback from Morello and an interactive Q&A session.
Manual Arts High School, one of Los Angeles’ oldest and most historic campuses, has served the South Los Angeles community for more than a century. This spring, the school joins Music Will’s Lab School Initiative, a program focused on strengthening modern band education through equipment donations, classroom mentorship, and direct program support. The February 26 event highlights the school’s expanding music curriculum while connecting students with a globally recognized artist who has consistently championed creative expression and social empowerment.
“Access to instruments changes what’s possible for students,” said Janice Polizzotto, Chief Growth Officer at Music Will. “We’re grateful to Gibson Gives and Tom Morello for helping remind students that their creativity matters and that their voices belong in school — and beyond.”
“At Gibson Gives, we believe the power of music starts with access,” added Erica Krusen, Executive Director of Gibson Gives and Advisory Board Member at Music Will. “Place a guitar in a young person’s hands and you unlock creativity, confidence, and community. Gibson Gives is proud to stand with Music Will and Tom Morello to expand opportunity at Manual Arts High School and kick off Music In Our Schools Month by investing in the next generation of creators.”
Content captured during the visit will be released nationally in early March to coincide with Music In Our Schools Month, amplifying the message that sustained investment in music education remains critical to student development and creative opportunity.