"Music Has the Power to Save Lives."

James Ojala—a tuba player, lifelong music enthusiast, and beloved friend—firmly believed that music education does far more than teach notes on a page: it builds character, transforms lives, strengthens communities, and shapes young people into well-rounded, successful adults.

James’s musical roots ran deep. As a student under legendary band director Bob Anthony at La Serna High School, where AUHSD Director of Arts Education Brian Belski later followed in his footsteps as a fellow tuba player, James experienced firsthand the lifelong impact of a great mentor in a school music program. Over the years, James was a supporter in the audience at band concerts directed by Mr. Anthony at Kennedy High School and by Mr. Belski at Savanna High School, and shared his conviction that music involvement in junior high and high school is vital to student growth and success.

To ensure his passion lives on for generations to come, James made a gift through his estate to establish the James Ojala Memorial Music Programs. It was his wish to create two annual awards for students in the Anaheim Union High School District (AUHSD):

The James Ojala Memorial Music Education Scholarship: Awarded to an AUHSD High School Honor Band member dedicated to pursuing a career as a future music teacher.
The James Ojala Memorial Brass Ensemble Award: Awarded to the winner of an annual spring chamber competition celebrating excellence in brass performance—a genre close to James’s heart.

Why We Need Your Support

While James’s estate gift establishes these foundational awards, our goal is to grow this fund so these scholarships can impact students for years to come.

100% of your tax-deductible donation goes directly to the AUHSD Foundation, dedicated exclusively to funding student scholarship awards, competition hosting, and expanding opportunities for local student musicians.

Whether you are a fellow musician, an alumnus of AUHSD, a lover of brass music, or someone who believes in the power of arts education, your gift ensures James’s love of music continues to resonate in our schools.