Jamie Foxx hits charity note

Feb 10, 2010, 9:30 GMT

Jamie Foxx helped donate $500,000 worth of musical equipment to American high school students.

The 42-year-old star - who won an Oscar for his portrayal of legendary musician Ray Charles in 'Ray' - and 'Lost' actor Dominic Monaghan unveiled the instruments at Los Angeles' Walt Disney Concert Hall and Jamie was keen to entertain the youngsters with his hit 'Blame It'.

However, as the song is an ode to the effects of alcohol, he changed the lyrics to, "Blame it on the a-a-a-apple juice," much to their amusement.

He then joked: "I changed it so you guys could sing it."

The equipment included new violins, flutes, French horns, trumpets and drums and will help students in 16 American schools, who use the Fidelity FutureStage program.

The project aims to enrich arts education in US public schools by providing instruments, specialised training by professional musicians, and a chance for aspiring artists to perform with renowned orchestras.

Singer-and-actor Jamie praised Fidelity for stepping in and helping out when public funding had failed because he knows how important it is.

He said: "Even if a kid is not going to be the greatest musician in the world, just the fact that you gave him something, the fact that you said, 'Hey, I care about you,' that's what it's about."