"Mr. B, my reed broke." "Mr. B, I scraped my reed and now it is chipped." " Mr. B, I need a new reed!!!" Reeds are expensive, but this financial literacy project will answer the following: Bulk vs. Single packaging; and Disposable vs. Synthetic...which is more cost effective?
My students in my school are like a family.
From beginning kindergarten to graduation, they stay together..like a family. My students are bright and charming students ranging from advanced placement curriculum students to students with learning disabilities. Since music is a team activity, they must work together as one regardless of backgrounds or grade level in order to succeed. They are a diverse group of city kids. They come from Haiti, the Dominican Republic, China, Puerto Rico, and Vietnam. They are all funny, sweet, generous, and engaging.
My Project
Most woodwind instruments require reeds that are in our band--saxophones and clarinets all need reeds in order to produce a sound. Without a reed, they are useless. With advances in technology, can we stretch our dollar on reeds?
Reeds come in different brands, sizes, and now, materials. Can a student make a reed last longer by giving them a synthetic vs. a traditional cane? The 2.5 and 3 Rico Clarinet Reeds will price compare against the Fibracell Clarinet reeds. The 2.5 and 3 sax reeds from Rico and Hemke will go up against the Fibracell and each other. The reeds will be judged on price per unit and longevity. Does one synthetic reed last longer and is more durable than X cane reeds? Is it cheaper in the long run? Does the cost equal the sound quality?
The computer will allow us to track cost of reeds in single and bulk packaging, use formulas to calculate the longevity vs cost, and cost savings vs sound.
This is a great project for PwC's Financial Literacy Challenge.
I have seen first hand how music can influence the learning of students at any age.
My students are so creative and I cannot wait to see and hear the sound and cost effectiveness that this project could have on our band, but others as well. Many want this and that, but teaching them how to budget for purchases will also help them budget life after graduation. Please be a partner in their experience by supporting our project and how it can be used to enrich the lives of our students.
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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 Mr. Babecka and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.