Barry Manilow is to donate $300,000 worth of instruments to a high school in Missouri after learning the music department's equipment was largely destroyed by tornadoes earlier this year.

Tornadoes devastated Joplin in May, killing dozens of people and levelling many homes, and touched by the tragedy, the singer's non-profit organisation, the Manilow Music Project, has now donated funds and launched a community instrument drive to help the students and administrators at Joplin High School rebuild it's music department.

He says, "I know firsthand how invaluable music can be to get you through life's tough times. It is an honour and a privilege to help these kids after such a disaster."

The "Copacabana" hitmaker will visit the school on Thursday to hand over the donation.