George Gershwin through his music stated, "I've Got Rhythm." Without percussion stands and hardware my students will not be able to make the same proclamation about the music that they make. Without these necessary elements of music creation my students will be prevented from producing rhythm.
I have the opportunity to teach 9th-12th grade students.
My classroom is a musical conglomeration of all four grades. My percussionists are by far the most ambitious students I teach on a daily basis. My school is borderline Title I but does not meet the qualifications for funding based on the socioeconomic status of our community. Several of my band students cannot afford many of the necessary items to participate in band, especially the percussion section. These young drummers constantly come to school early and stay late in efforts to perfect their craft. Daily they confront personal issues in and out of school. Music is their outlet as well as a mechanism and means of comfort.
My Project
The hardware that I have requested is to be used by my percussion section in my band room. Currently, we do not have the proper equipment to hold the minimal instruments that the band program owns. With the stands and items requested these young musicians will be able to begin a new level of responsibility. As of right now we do not have the correct equipment to maintain our mallets, sticks, hand percussion, and cymbals. Taking care of percussion instruments is extremely important. Due to the numerous types of instruments used in concert band percussion literature. I am in the process of teaching my students that you must take care of what you have in order to attain your goals, ambitions, and desires. With the purchasing of these accessories my students will be entering into a new level of responsibility and musicianship. Students will be using these instruments only a daily basis in rehearsal, class, and the musical performance arena.
Unlike the typical instrumentalist in state, my percussion students did not begin playing percussion until 9th grade of High School.
Due to an unfortunate circumstance at the middle school band program there has not been a drumming culture at my school. Therefore without percussion students there has not been a need for hardware until now. With your donations these young people will be able to begin learning, engaging, and growing.
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