Kiss Surprise Students, Present Instruments to School in Need

Some middle school students in Tulsa, Okla. just had the thrill of a lifetime. All the members of Kiss -- in full stage regalia, no less -- showed up to present instruments to the school's music program.

It all went down Dec. 9 at Tulsa's Wilson Middle School. The rockers appeared at the school as part of a segment for the ABC show 'Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.' The show's carpenters -- along with a bevy of volunteers -- are rebuilding the home of a Florida music teacher. The teacher wanted to give instruments to a school in need.

That's when the Tulsa middle school was picked to get 40 new instruments -- personally presented by Kiss. The instruments, including violins, trumpets and flutes, were provided by the Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation.

Kiss singer and guitarist Paul Stanley is a supporter of the Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation.

"The government needs to understand musical programs in schools is not a luxury. It's a necessity," Stanley said during the school assembly. "In public education, there is no crisis greater than the lack of money going into musical enrichment."

There are 93 percent of Wilson Middle School students qualifying for free or reduced-price meals according to federal poverty guidelines.

Kiss is currently wrapping a North American tour. The 2010 leg of the 'Sonic Boom' world tour kicks off May 7 in Dublin.