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This teacher needs your help!

Mr. Dorsett from Indianapolis, IN is requesting sports & exercise equipment through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Mr. Dorsett is requesting

Bounce to the Beat: Basketballs for Building Rhythm

Help me give my students strong pulse control and steady tempo using basketballs as rhythmic tools in band class.

FULLY FUNDED! Mr. Dorsett's classroom raised $353

This project is fully funded

Celebrating Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month

Celebrate Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month

This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.

My Project

In our band classroom, rhythm is everything, especially for percussionists. This project will provide a class set of basketballs and a storage rack so we can use dribbling as a daily rhythm-building activity. By incorporating basketballs into our music curriculum, students will improve their internal pulse, coordination, and ability to stay together as an ensemble.

But this project goes beyond music skills.

The act of dribbling in rhythm offers a powerful mental health benefit. It helps students release energy, focus their minds, and reduce anxiety through physical movement. It’s a creative and active way to start class, helping students reset and center themselves before we begin playing our instruments.

How This Helps My Students:

Many of my percussion students struggle with keeping a steady beat when reading and performing music. Using basketballs to feel and internalize the pulse helps them connect physically with rhythm in a fun and memorable way.

At the same time, this activity supports student mental health. The rhythmic motion of dribbling promotes mindfulness and regulation, two critical skills for students who may come to class feeling overwhelmed or distracted. It gives them an outlet, clears their minds, and helps them enter rehearsal focused and calm.

Students have told me that starting with movement makes a huge difference in how they feel and perform. It’s more than just a warm-up, it’s a wellness practice that builds musicianship from the inside out.

Mr. Dorsett H.L. Harshman Middle School 501 Grades 6-8

Equity Focus

This project directly supports students at a historically underfunded school. Learn more about our Equity Focus.

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Indianapolis, IN View local requests

Nearly all students from low‑income households Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more

20 students impacted 74donors

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Expand the "Where your donation goes" section below to see exactly what Mr. Dorsett is requesting.

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TEACHERS, FEELING INSPIRED?

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
Champion Sports Pro-Style Basketball • Amazon Business $11.99 8 $95.92
Champion Sports Pro-Style Basketball • Amazon Business $17.74 4 $70.96
Sttoraboks Basketball Rack, 4-Layer Ball Rack Rolling Balls Organizer with Baseball Bat Holder & Hooks Sport Equipment Storage Cart with Wheels for Football, Volleyball, Soccer • Amazon Business $50.99 1 $50.99
Champion Sports Pro-Style Basketball • Amazon Business $11.99 4 $47.96

Materials cost

$265.83

Vendor shipping charges

 FREE

Sales tax

 $0.00

3rd party payment processing fee

$3.99

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$299.82

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$52.91

Total project goal

$352.73

How we calculate what's needed

Total project goal

 $352.73

68 Donors

-$228.96

Donations toward project cost

-$210.72

Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$18.24

Matching donations from our partners

-$106.00

Match offers toward project cost

-$90.10

Match offers to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$15.90

Excluded support for DonorsChoose

-$18.95

Still needed View calculationHide calculation

 $0.00

Our team works hard to negotiate the best pricing and selections available.

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DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

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 Mr. Dorsett and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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