The cost of an Akai Sampling Workstation Drum Machine from B&H Photo is $2730, including shipping and <a target="new" href="http://www.donorschoose.org/html/fulfillment.htm" onclick="g_openWindow('http://www.donorschoose.org/html/fulfillment.htm', 300, 800, 'fulfillwindow');return false;">fulfillment</a>.
This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
I teach eighth-grade math and science at Community Junior High School 145 in the Bronx. The student population is 1,622. Forty-seven percent of the students are female and 53 percent are male. Sixty percent of the students are Hispanic and 36 percent are Black. Ninety percent of the students are eligible for free lunch.
Approximately half of the students at JHS 145 are performing below grade level in literacy and math. As a result, the students are given double blocks, and even triple blocks, of math and communication arts. I do agree that these students should receive additional instruction so that they improve their performance. Unfortunately, the additional classes are provided at the expense of other subjects, such as art and music. The school is attempting to meet the requirements of the No Child Left Behind law even if it means cutting back on other subjects such as music and art. A recent New York Times article, "Schools Cut Back Subjects to Push Reading and Math," discusses this dilemma. My homeroom class is well below grade level, and as a result they are required to have nine (45-minute) periods of math a week and fifteen (45-minute) periods of communication arts a week. The other subjects that they receive are science, social studies, and physical education.
The students often complain about how unfair it is that they receive little to no instruction in music or art. THEY HAVE A GOOD POINT! Art and music classes are often given to students who are performing on grade level. It is well proven that children need creative outlets such as music and art. Some research shows that it stimulates the mind and develops cognitive abilities.
In 2004, the school was restructured into three mini-schools. Each school has a different theme. The principal decided that the theme for his school would be the arts. His mini-school was named the School for Creative Education and the Arts. Moreover, the entire complex is named after Arturo Toscanini, a world-renowned music conductor. The irony is that most of the students are not exposed to music because JHS 145 is a low-performing school. This is certainly not a reason to deny the students music courses.
Hip-hop is one of the most popular forms of music today. It was created in New York City. It can be used to expose the students to all genres of music. Hip-hop tends to sample many types of music such as jazz, soul, rock, and pop. The students will study the history of jazz, soul, blues, rock and hip hop. The students will also examine current and past hip-hop artists and producers such as Jay-Z, Kanye West, Dr. Dre, Nas, DJ Premier. These artists and producers have sampled many genres of music in their own work. One of the the most important tools used to create hip-hop music is the drum machine. I would like to request a drum machine so that the students can produce their own music in an after-school program. They will learn the basics of music production and will learn about the influence of Black music (i.e. soul, jazz, hip hop) in America.
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. Julien and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
