VH1 and Amazon bringing music back to Caruthers Elementary School

CARUTHERS, Calif. (KFSN) -- There was a lot of excitement and anticipation on the Caruthers Elementary School campus.

"I felt like it was pounding-- boom boom boom," said Javier Gonzales, student.

In just moments, students got the gifts their school had so desperately needed-- new instruments inside a large Amazon box.

"I was like wow! Where is my frame drum people," said Gonzales.

VH1 Save the Music Foundation and Amazon teamed up to make the important delivery.

Fresno County Superintendent of Schools Jim Yovino said, "What an exciting day this is for Caruthers to be able to bring music back."

The school is now bringing back its music program after losing it during the recession.

"We both believe this is the right school that needs the funding and the support and we're opening a building in Fresno next year, so it's a perfect match," said Amazon Operations Director Kelvin Downes.

The donation meant a major step forward in rebuilding the music.

Jaclyn Rudderow, with the VH1 Save the Music Foundation said, "It's about 40,000 worth of new band instruments and supplies, really to get the program off the ground and to ensure every child has access to a high quality instrument and can play it during the school day."

Fresno County said igniting the arts in students is important.

"We know that kids who are engaged in the arts come to school every day, they're more engaged in school, they have higher graduation rates they tend to go to college more," said Yovino.

Students like Gonzales said they are looking forward to reaching their musical dreams-- an impact that has already happened on day one.

This year another musical tradition will get to resume because of the donation-- 7th and 8th graders will get to join the Caruthers High School Band and play music when they kick off the fair in September.