Have you ever gone to a band concert and NOT heard concert bells? It's just not quite the same, especially during winter concerts when nearly every song calls for it.
My students are middle schoolers at 2 public schools.
They are from a rural community with a large unemployment rate. The students are excited about being in band, but many of them have never seen another concert band perform. It is because of this inexperience that they do not know what to think when I describe concert percussion such as orchestra bells. The closest object they can visualize are children toy xylophones.
My Project
The orchestra bells I am requesting are ideal for our groups. We are beginning band students and students with only one year band experience.
Having the notes on these bell kits will enable us to discuss enharmonics, how some notes/pitches have two names (C#/Db). They will then be able to take this knowledge and use it towards learning more about their wind instruments.
Using the knowledge of enharmonics, students will be able to learn the format of major scales. They will be able to play scales on their wind instrument as well as bells.
Lastly, the overall sound of the ensemble will improve. We will be able to play Jingle Bells and actually hear bells!
When people hear about the situation my students live in, their first reaction is "that must be hard".
My response to them is always the same: "it is hard, but when I step back and look at our situation, I can't complain because I have the best kids I could ever ask for." Please consider giving these deserving students the chance to expand their abilities, experience, and knowledge with a set of orchestra bells.
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
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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 Ms. Whitson and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.