My students need tubano drums so they can participate in drum circle activities in music class. Drum circles foster respect, discipline, and communication.
FULLY FUNDED! Mrs. DeLong's classroom raised $280
This project is fully funded
My Students
"Rhythm is the soul of life. The whole universe revolves in rhythm. Everything and every human action revolves in rhythm." -drumming master Babatunde Olatunji. My students feel the rhythm and want to express themselves through drumming, but they do not have suitable drums to use in music class.
My students are elementary students, grades 1-5, who attend a public school in Illinois.
The majority of the students are in the low-income or poverty bracket; over 95% of them qualify for free or reduced lunches at school. Many of our students struggle to find success in the school environment. Even though it seems like many of them have the deck stacked against them, they come to school every day ready to work and learn. They attend music class twice a week and should have the opportunity to use instruments as a part of their regular music curriculum. Our district does not currently allocate any budget funds for elementary music classroom instrument purchases.
My Project
Students will experience beat and rhythm in new and exciting ways using drumming in their music classroom. They will use tubanos, drums that have been specially created for drum circles and students of all sizes and ages. Why drumming? Research shows that drumming can build confidence, creativity, and communication and can contribute to increased focus and attention span. Drumming can build a sense of community and inclusion. Students will participate in drum circle activities and use drums on a regular basis in music class. I also envision creating a "Family Drumming Night" where students and parents will drum side-by-side and experience the joy of making music together. Students will become the teachers as they demonstrate to their parents what they have learned and as they help their parents participate in drumming.
Research shows that there are many benefits to drumming.
I am very passionate about using drumming with my students, especially after taking a course on drumming this past summer. Our district does not currently allocate funds for elementary music classroom instrument purchases, so I am looking for creative ways to acquire drums for my students. Thank you for considering my project! Your decision to donate to this project will touch the lives of over 400 students at my 2 schools.
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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