My students need strings for their violins and guitars (both nylon and steel), and reeds for oboe, bari sax and bassoon. Most can't afford to purchase their own so we need to.
Our school district supplies some instruments and we fundraise to purchase the rest. We get very limited supplies and what we get we make last as long as possible. But strings break and get old and reeds deteriorate over time and with use. As careful as we are, time and wear marches on.
My students love music and love to play music!
Sometimes it is the best thing in their life. Playing music together and performing together changes their lives, helps them bond, gives them focus and keeps many of them in school. Playing music helps students find themselves. I try to serve as an inspirational leader and coach, giving students lots of freedom and high expectations.
Our school is 57% Title I (free or reduced price lunch) and 36% African American, 28% Latino, 2% Filipino, 2% Pacific Islander, 10% White, 2% Multi-Ethnic/No response, 12% English Language Learners, 13% Special Education. While we reflect the city we are in, Oakland, we are not able to supply all that students need. That's why grants such as these are so important, as part of the constant fundraising that I need to do to make ends meet.
My Project
Just listen to our orchestra and strings, and watch our marching band, the last one in our city. Feel the music soar! My students are learning about music and infusing their life with its inspiration and soul. Flat old strings can detract from their performance and old reeds can hamper the beautiful sound we want to create! Help me help them to perform at their very best!
It doesn't sound very sexy, but strings and reeds make up an important supply we need in our music program.
We make do with so many things, beg and borrow and fundraise like crazy.
My students are often out in the community asking for support for instruments and competition fees and logistical support. Strings and reeds are essential to making a great sound!
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