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This teacher needs your help!

Ms. Melanie from Trenton, NJ is requesting musical instruments through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Ms. Melanie is requesting

From Djembe to Kalimba: Giving Students the World Through Music

Help me give my students a vibrant collection of authentic African instruments that support hands-on learning, cultural exploration, and joyful collaboration throughout the school day.

FULLY FUNDED! Ms. Melanie's classroom raised $359

This project is fully funded

Celebrating Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month

Celebrate Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month

This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.

My Project

I teach creative, vibrant, and culturally diverse students who thrive when learning is hands-on and expressive. I love how eager they are to explore the world through music and storytelling. These instruments and tools will help bring our music and global arts curriculum to life.

The African Djembe Drums, Dora Nut Bracelets, and Wood Frog Guiro will be used to introduce students to African rhythms and percussion techniques, allowing them to experience world music firsthand.

The Kalimba will help students understand melody and harmony, tactile and soothingly, encouraging focus and creativity.

The Zenergy Chime will be a mindfulness tool used during transitions, helping students center themselves and improve emotional regulation.

The Mini Microphones will be used by students to record reflections, oral presentations, and even mini-podcasts, helping them build confidence in their voices and public speaking skills.

These resources create an engaging, multi-sensory classroom where students can learn by doing, feeling, and expressing. Thank you for supporting their journey!

Ms. Melanie Trenton Ninth Grade Academy Grades 9-12

Celebrate Black teachers and kids! This project supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of students are Black.

Equity Focus

This project directly supports students at a historically underfunded school. Learn more about our Equity Focus.

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Trenton, NJ View local requests

More than half of 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

900 students impacted 1donor

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Expand the "Where your donation goes" section below to see exactly what Ms. Melanie is requesting.

See our finances

TEACHERS, FEELING INSPIRED?

You can start a project with the same resources being requested here!

Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
lotmusic African Djembe Drum, Standard 10'' Hand-Carved Mahogany Congo Drum, Professional Bongo Drum With Goatskin Drumhead for Adults • Amazon Business $88.99 1 $88.99
Woodstock Wind Chimes Zenergy Quintet Hand Bell Chime, 5 Tone 8.5 - Inch, Bell Percussion Instrument for Meditation, Yoga, Classrooms, Offices, Great for Awareness, Relaxation (ZENERGY5) • Amazon Business $39.99 1 $39.99
Djembe,African Drum Djembe Mahogany Wood Goatskin Drumhead (Natural, 8 inch) • Amazon Business $39.99 1 $39.99
Mowind 2PCS African Tribal Style Nuts Shell Bracelet Dora Nut Handbell Percussion Accessories • Amazon Business $17.99 2 $35.98
Deluxe Extra-Large 8" Wood Frog Guiro Rasp - Percussion Musical Instrument Tone Block - Wooden Instrument with Stick, Noise Maker by World Percussion USA • Amazon Business $25.99 1 $25.99
Kalimba 17 Key Thumb Piano, Portable Mahogany Mbira Finger Piano with Instruction, Carrying Bag, Tune Hammer, Holiday Gift for Kids & Adults, Light Brown • Amazon Business $24.45 1 $24.45
Uniwit Mini Portable Vocal/Instrument Microphone for Voice Video Recording Singing,Vlogging, Podcasting, Tiny Microphone for iPhone Android Phone Computer Latop Notebook Tablet iPad(Black) • Amazon Business $7.59 2 $15.18

Materials cost

$270.57

Vendor shipping charges

 FREE

Sales tax

 $0.00

3rd party payment processing fee

$4.06

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$304.63

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$53.76

Total project goal

$358.39

How we calculate what's needed

Total project goal

 $358.39

1 Donor

-$358.39

Donations toward project cost

-$304.63

Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$53.76

Still needed View calculationHide calculation

 $0.00

Our team works hard to negotiate the best pricing and selections available.

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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 Ms. Melanie and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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