Our middle school is one of the smallest in our county and cannot offer as many elective courses for our students. I teach chorus and general music to about 130 students everyday in grades 6-8. Materials are not always available for the amount of students I teach.
In my position I have to provide materials for two different types of classes. Chorus classes and general music classes often need different types of materials. Most of the materials I am able to purchase have to be small because of availability of money. The only money I usually get to spend comes from student fundraisers. I am usually able to purchase sheet music and that’s about it. This year I was able to get some money from the county to buy music-writing software for my general music students. It does not look like will be getting that kind of help for the up coming year with our current economic situation.
I have developed a project that both my chorus and general music students can benefit from. I have some of the components need to complete this project, but there are still a few things we are in need of. Our music-writing software that we were able to purchase is a large part of the project. My students have been very interested in composing their own music. I have also incorporated music reading skill, language arts skills, social studies, skills, and music industry skills. The next part of this puzzle is to get a music lined marker board. I have my class set up in different stations. One station is the piano station where students can brainstorm ideas. The second station is to composition station where students can put their ideas in writing. I would like to use the marker board in this station to the students can easily edit their work, I can easily proof their work, and so we can utilize every inch of space in my room. The last station will be the computer station where students will enter their music into the computer and create Cd's, music DVDs, MIDI files, or Pod cast.
My students and myself have already worked really hard to fundraise and build a great project. They are motivated and ready to let their creative energies flow. There are just a few items we are still need based on student feedback and learning styles. This board would be a great help to every this project as well as everyday teaching. Your help will make sure we are able to complete what my students have worked so hard to start.
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. Danielson and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.