My students have creative minds and expressive voices. They begin making music the moment they enter the room and use everything around them to compose, tapping on desks, using body percussion, humming, beat-boxing, rapping, playing keyboards and guitars, and singing, just to name a few. Together we sing, play instruments, and compose original songs and melodies throughout my program. I teach with a focus on their voices and perspectives as students.
We are located in Detroit, Michigan, and our music reflects a diverse community of predominantly African American and Bengali students.
Because over 80% of my students come from low-income families and receive free breakfast and lunch at our school, I am devoted to bringing high-quality music education opportunities to our students at no cost to our families.
Students in grades K-5 experience music play activities, learning to move to the beat and use their singing voice as well as play instruments such as xylophones, hand drums, recorders, and more. Students in grades 6-8 can either elect to learn a band instrument in Symphonic Band or take General Music where they learn music history, reading music on guitar and keyboard, songwriting, and using digital music programs.
My Project
As our music program grows, so does the volume of our students' voices and their excitement for the arts. Our students in 3rd through 5th grade are ready to sing in harmony, rounds, and try solos, but we have no place to stand with proper spacing and posture for vocal rehearsals.
Especially with our district's Covid-19 safety protocols, providing risers for students to stand at multiple levels will help their ability to focus, see the conductor cues, and participate fully while maintaining a 3ft distance from others.
All students K-8 will utilize these risers for yearly music and theater performances. Please help us fulfill our school's motto and help our voices rise to the sky! - When our students RISE, when we all RISE!
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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