This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because
it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.
My Students
Reeds can be expensive!! I have over 300 students in my band program and about half of them play instruments that need a thin piece of wood, called a reed, in order to play their instrument. Although some students can afford their own.. many will need assistance in order to play in the band.
My students are what I like to call the "cream of the crop" at my school.
I get the great honor of working with some of the most talented, brilliant and hard working students in the entire school. Music is a great motivator! What can be unmotivating though is when students can not always afford the materials required to play their instrument. I teach at a Title 1 school... which means over 75% of the school is on free or reduced lunch. Although the school struggles financially I have managed to have over 300 students in my band program. That's a lot of music and a lot of supplies! Students playing on most woodwind instruments need a reed in order to play their instrument. Reeds can be very costly (especially for my beginners... who tend to break them more when they first start out.) Sometimes students turn to me to supply them reeds when their parents are struggling. They also turn to me for instruments. I want to make sure I can help as much as I can so they can continue to perform.
My Project
With a large selection of reeds in the classroom I can make sure EVERY student has the ability to perform in class and that no one is being left out because a little piece of wood. Giving the students a chance to perform will make them more confident, keep them out of trouble in the classroom, and give them an equal opportunity. If a student doesn't have a reed there is no way they can play that day... depending on their economic status and how fast their parents purchase the reeds... they could be out of playing for over a week. If I have a reed for them right then and there they can get right back into playing that day instead of waiting for days for their box shipment.
Let's face it... we are living in tough times.
Sometimes teachers have to go the extra mile to help their students. All teachers want their kids to be successful and sometimes we need to help those in need out so they can have the same potential as everyone else. That's why I think having extra boxes of reeds in my classroom may do just that... help someone out who is in need. It may just be one reed.. but that reed can provide HOURS of instruction and practice. Support music! Thank you! :)
More than three‑quarters 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 Mrs. Sirmeyer and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
