In 1995, principal Wolters shuts down the school's arts programs, citing further cuts from the Education Board and the need to prioritize reading, writing and math. Holland makes an impassioned plea to the Board, to no avail, and becomes despondent believing that his teaching career has amounted to nothing. On his last day, Holland's wife and son help him clear out his office and take him to the auditorium. It is packed full of ex-pupils who greet him with a standing ovation. Gertrude Lang, a struggling clarinetist and now Governor of Oregon, gives a speech praising Mr. Holland, that his legacy is more than just the symphony; it is all the people he has helped and influenced over 30 years. She joins ex-members of the school's orchestra, who have been practicing the symphony, on stage. Mr. Holland conducts them in its premiere performance.