"The life of the arts, far from being an interruption, a distraction, in the life of a nation, is very close to the center of a nation's purpose, and is a test of the quality of a nation's civilization." -John F. Kennedy.
I have this quote as part of my email signature, as a constant reminder. I would paraphrase the quote, by replacing the words "in the life of a nation" with "in the life of a child." Music is central to the spirit of a child and can bring joy into the lives of children who are in very sad circumstances.
I am the general music teacher for 500 students in grades k-5.
My students are excited about learning and coming to music class, where they not only sing but dance and play instruments and prepare for annual grade level performances. Our school is a Title I school, in which about 10% of our students are homeless, about 15% are considered ESL, and about 45% are low income. For most of my students, their only exposure to REAL instruments comes during their weekly general music class, and I work very hard to ensure that the instruments in the music room are of the highest quality.
I use Orff instruments (xylophones) in the music room, as a way of adding musical accompaniment to songs and games that the children are learning in music class.
My Project
For the younger grades, it is an exciting thing to hear the tone color that an instrument can contribute to a simple singing game or rhyme. These Orff instruments are also key in helping students internalize and play a steady beat, something which research says can help with reading and language skills.
In the older grades, especially fourth grade, the xylophones are used in conjunction with our Virginia music study and recorders. Our fourth grade students study Virginia history, so I have researched and developed units of study that support the classroom teachers by showcasing not only famous Virginia musicians, but also Virginia folk dances and songs from the major regions of our state. I teach the students things like George Washington's favorite song or John Tyler's favorite dance, making these historical figures "real" to my students.
Using the bass xylophone to accompany a song would empower student learning through art by connecting music with historical information.
A bass xylophone would be an important instrument to add to the recorder songs that my fourth graders are learning to play.
The bass instruments provide the foundation for any instrumental arrangement. It would be an amazing addition to their end of the school year performance entitled, "A Showcase of Virginia's Music." An instrument of this quality will be used for many, many years to come, by hundreds of students.
This would truly empower student learning through the art of music.
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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