Help Us Compose A Global Rondo!

My Students

My wonderful students are anxious to write original music and work with their peers in other parts of the world through a web-based global songwriting collaboration. We are in need of music creation software and a headphone system that will allow us to accomplish this innovative project.

I have the honor of working with some very enthusiastic and creative students in my general music classes.

Every one of my classes is a diverse group of individuals: some attend honors classes, others have special learning needs, and many are at-risk behaviorally as well as academically. Our school is a Title I school in an urban district, with over 80% of the students qualifying for free or reduced lunch. In spite of the many challenges they face every day, my students shine brightly when given the opportunity to express themselves through innovative projects that put them in control of their learning and empower them to make creative decisions regarding their work. I have witnessed my students develop confidence in their abilities and take great pride in their work. Collaborating with students around the world has become an inspiring component to their learning. Unfortunately, we are faced with budgetary issues that make it difficult to acquire the materials needed for our project.

My Project

Our songwriting projects are highly engaging and lend themselves to a strong collaborative environment. The Sequel 2 music creation software will be used by my students to explore musical ideas and create wonderful integrated projects that demonstrate the depth of their knowledge and highlight their creative potential. The headphones and headphone amps will allow my students to work in a collaborative setting, exploring musical and creative possibilities, composing and arranging original music (and their own movie soundtracks), making creative decisions regarding form and style, and effectively expressing their ideas and opinions through their innovative work. Perhaps the most exciting element of the project will be creating music with students in other states and countries and sharing our work online. In this case, we will be attempting something new and innovative that will hopefully inspire others. We have already developed relationships with other schools and are eager to begin!

This project will help my students develop critical 21st century skills, broaden their global perspective, and realize the importance of their ideas and the strength of their voices.

The most rewarding moments occur when my students express a sense of pride for completing a project that has allowed them to explore their creative potential and apply their strengths, whether in writing, visual art, technology, or effectively communicating their ideas in front of an audience.