Archive footage seen in the film includes : The film features an orchestral score by Michael Kamen and many pieces of classical music . Kamen also wrote '' An American Symphony '' ( " Mr. Holland 's Opus " ) , the work on which Mr. Holland is shown working throughout the movie . Kamen 's arrangement won the 1997 Grammy for Best Instrumental Arrangement
1997 Grammy
39th Annual Grammy Awards
Mr. Holland's Opus