Josh Groban saves the band with Bing

Be sure to attend music class because you never know who may show up bearing gifts. Bing, the decision engine from Microsoft, and award-winning singer Josh Groban surprised the 8th grade band at Marie Curie Middle School in Bayside, NY on September 16th with a variety of new instruments to kick off Bing’s “Our School Needs” contest. After being blown away by the band’s performance of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” Josh invited the band to go on tour with him and then sang a few verses from his hit song “You Raise Me Up.” It’s a good thing he warmed up with the school’s chorus class before taking the stage!

On behalf of Bing, Groban donated: 4 flutes; 4 clarinets; 1 euphonium; 1 double horn; 1 bass clarinet; 1 tenor sax; and 1 French horn. These new instruments will help alleviate the sharing of instruments and replace old instruments.

“I am so excited to be a part of Bing’s “Our School Needs” campaign,” says Groban. “Schools across the country are facing severe budget cuts and the arts programs are usually the first to go. I am honored to have the opportunity to help provide new instruments to the Marie Curie Middle School band to help Ms. Schecter continue to make a difference in her student’s lives through music education.”

For more information or to enter the contest, visit Our School Needs.