As the music teacher at my school, I see all K-5th grade students each week. They come from various backgrounds, including many military families, and there is a steady turnover rate since their families are so mobile. I have found that music is a very effective way for new students to connect with others and make new friends!
Music is the universal language, and it breaks down all barriers.
One particular student who came from a challenging background would always light up when given the opportunity to play the drums. He loved to "show off" his skills to his friends, and they were inspired by watching his talent. This student found success in the music room and carried it to other performing venues such as church and playing drums at soccer games. I sent him his own pair of drum sticks when he transferred to another school in hopes that he would continue.
It is a joy and honor to share my love of music with others!
My Project
I hope to provide all my students will the opportunity to develop their coordination and rhythm skills through a program called "KidStix." In order to participate, each student needs a drum kit station, complete with a small cutting board (I've already purchased these at a dollar store), a large soup can (I've acquired these from our very helpful lunch workers at school), a small tambourine, and drum sticks. All supplies can be stored inside the soup can and easily carried by each student to his/her spot.
This is a fun way to introduce basic percussion skills to elementary students!
The students will follow my lead as I show them how to play the different parts of their own drum kit to the background music. I plan to showcase what they have learned at a special performance in the spring at our local mall, combined with many other elementary music students from our district. This is in conjunction with the annual district elementary art showcase. I anticipate great excitement in this musical performance as we share what we will have learned with the general public and they browse the special artwork created by our local elementary students! Thank you very much for considering donating to this project.
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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 Mrs. Schmitz and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
