Elvis Presley once said, "Rhythm is something you either have or don't have, but when you have it, you have it all over."
My students tap their pencils. They shuffle their feet. They embody rhythm all school day long! A drum set would give my young musicians an outlet to cultivate their ambitions.
I teach at a public elementary school in West Harlem.
Many students live at or below the poverty level, and many are English Language Learners. My school recognizes the challenges my students face. We strive to empower our students to achieve success. With school-wide support, our music programs have proved to be invaluable.
Our band is compromised of 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students who have demonstrated passion by committing their time and energy to rehearsing 4 days a week after school, during lunch, and throughout the school day. We play a wide variety of music: Beginning Concert Band, Pep Band, Jazz Band, Latin and Pop. Since I created the music program six years ago, there has been growing interest in a repertoire full of jazz and pop songs. We have made due in the past with a hand drum, tambourine, and a snare, however, in order to truly bring this music to life and understand the nuances of the rhythm the section, we need a drum set.
My Project
Band programs in the city are hard to come by, and we are fortunate to have one. However, our annual budget barely covers the cost of reeds for the wind instruments. As I expand my program to meet the interests of my students, I find myself paying for repairs, rentals and purchases out of pocket.
A drum set would enable our band to play a wider variety of repertoire. It would add an entirely new dynamic to the ensemble and would really motivate our drummers to take their musicianship to the next level. Four percussionists would play our drum set this year, functioning within ensembles ranging from twenty to thirty children.
Do you remember your first time being moved by a musical performance?
What about your first time being a part of a team? Now, imagine performing in a musical ensemble: it can be life-changing for a fourth grader attending public school in West Harlem. Our performances are hugely anticipated events for the entire school community. A solid drum kit would enrich our school band and would be heard by thousands over the years! Thank you for your support!
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