Bono said, "Music can change the world because it changes people." I have seen this firsthand in my music classroom. Students who are not successful in other areas can flourish in the music room. Students who have focus issues in other classes will come in and play a part over and over again
My students come from extreme poverty.
Over 90% of them qualify for free and reduced-price lunches. Over 65% are from other countries and speak languages other than English at home. But music has become the great equalizer. A student does not need to speak the language to participate in the music classroom and be successful. They attend a public charter school, and funding for instruments is non-existent. We play on buckets, tires, and we have a few instruments that we were able to get second hand, and some through donations.
My Project
With the addition of a xylophone, we will be able to expand the percussion ensemble. This year we were fortunate enough to be able to perform at the state music teachers' convention to rave reviews. We had to limit the number of students who could participate in the percussion ensemble to the number of instruments we had. We would love to have this instrument so we can include more people in these life-changing performance opportunities.
We also play these instruments every day in general music class. As it is now, children have to wait for a long time to play. Adding this xylophone will enable more children to take more turns, and learn the music faster. Our students use xylophones to accompany themselves singing folk songs and composing their own songs. This instrument would mean one more child playing and creating, rather than sitting and waiting.
Students are excited to come to music class.
For many of our students, especially in this day and age of high-stakes testing, music is one of the few areas in which they feel successful quickly. Students from all cultures come together in music class to create expressions of themselves. The students are encouraging to each other, and are excited when they "get it." With the addition of a xylophone, one more child can experience that excitement every class period and in the percussion ensemble.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Schramke and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
