In my classroom, there are only 8 decent barred instruments. With class sizes averaging at 20, the remaining 12 or so students have to play on chromatic instruments (the red ones which are pictured). These instruments are terrible because the kids can't read the letters or take off the bars.
My students are from a suburb of Indianapolis.
The school is a public school, with a diverse demographic. My students are very intelligent, eager students who love doing barred ensemble work. This year, for example, 2nd grade performed a canon off of a folk song, 3rd grade performed three-part diatonic pieces, 4th grade improved on a minor pentatonic scale, and 5th grade is putting together an arrangement of a song that is in a Spongebob episode (they love that) complete with recorder and creative movement. I have very kind, well-behaved, bright students that touch my heart everyday. They would be SO excited to receive a brand new glockenspiel! (Which is one of their very favorite words to say)
My Project
Adding a new glockenspiel to our current array of Orff instruments would make performing Orff ensemble pieces so much easier! The new glockenspiel would eliminate confusion that the current chromatic instruments create. The child that plays the new glockenspiel would be able to read the letters and take off bars to create pentatonic scales. This particular instrument is of high quality, it will produce a fantastic sound and will last many years. I was recommended this brand from a fellow teacher, and he's had his instruments for 20 years.
If you decide to donate to this project, you will make 550 children very happy.
Playing ensemble pieces in an elementary setting is incredibly important, both for their musical skills and overall intelligence. It is very challenging to play with multiple parts, it is literally been proven to improve brain function as a whole. Thanks for your consideration!
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