When we order a sandwich, the first part we say is the meat, the cheese, add the lettuce, tomato, onion and other extras, and then, as an afterthought, we mention the type of bread. The bread is what holds the whole thing together! It is the base of the sandwich, like the cello to a string ensemble!
My students are energetic 4th graders who LOVE music.
They want to sing, dance, and play instruments.
If they could do all three at the same time, they would still look for more ways to create music. The school population is entirely 3rd and 4th grade. The ensembles offered are Band, Chorus, and Strings, but only 4th graders are allowed in Band and Strings. Since Kindergarten, they have learned how to listen to music, and now they want to make their own.
My Project
Strings are the most popular instrument in our beginning instrumental program. Our fourth graders navigate to the violin and viola like flies to honey. It is a fabulous program that is growing in participation every year. They work hard and consistently impress the audience at our concerts! It is a beautiful sound, but it always seems to be missing something. What is missing is the bass, the deep sound that forms the foundation of any ensemble. If we had two cellos, we could fill in the missing sound. We usually have one or two students who are interested in the cello, but the cost of the rental creates a barrier and they end up playing the violin or viola. These cellos would give students access to a wonderful instrumental experience and give us a chance to kick our program up a notch!
My students work so hard to play these difficult string instruments.
Their performances bring cheers and tears to the eyes of their parents, families and teachers as they watch them grow from beginning instrumentalists to amazing young musicians in just a year. Cellos would add depth and warmth to our ensemble and allow us to create a beautiful sound. It would also bring our program to the next level and provide another step for us to continue growing.
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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. Valiante and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
