Honestly, I was nervous to take over teaching classical guitar in a community where there is little access for students to have heard or experienced this style of music. My students quickly calmed my nerves and made it a joy to engage in music study with them.
As my students are not able to afford personal guitars for home practice, they have maximized their classroom time by tuning and playing the classroom guitars before the bell rings.
The mid-day class has a 30 min lunch halfway through the class -but the students only take 15-20 minutes before they are back in their seats practicing their guitar. The students have come together several times to perform for other classes, the choir students and also have performed for community events.
In 25+ years of teaching, I have never had such overall dedicated students and supportive parents. They have inspired the school to offer a GUITAR 2 class next semester. I have a few that are looking forward to when they have mastered enough skill to be able to audition for the All-Virginia Guitar Ensemble. One student is also looking for universities with a guitar performance major. Expanding our Guitar Class expands opportunities!
My Project
These 15 guitars will allow students to enroll in guitar class which is limited to the number of guitars we have. Our guitar class this year started out with over 11 students enrolled, but we only have 7 guitars that I could epoxy, superglue, and repair from the 30+ yr old school inventory. Some students were not able to take guitar due to this. By having the new stock of 15 quality instruments, we can expand our enrollment to 22 students in any class.
Keeping the music playing for more students means a higher engagement in school, an increase in self-esteem, an increase in school attendance and an outlet for self-expression for the guitarists.
The Christopher Parkening Guitar Method books volume 1 and 2, along with the footrests required for correct posture, will allow us to have students continue their guitar studies through their high school years instead of only being allowed one semester (beginning guitar). While this will not be the desire of all students, for those who fall in love with the guitar, it is a critical part of their development.
Just as the students vary in grade and age, their personal backgrounds and interests do also. In addition to the Christopher Parkening series, the various supplementary books will allow them to play music that is recognizable by their parents, their friends, and their community. The ensemble books will allow students to in a group reliant on each other similar to band and orchestra. This model promotes teamwork and collaboration. Classical training opens the doors to all styles of music.
Yamaha CG122MCH Solid Cedar Top Classical Guitar
• Amazon Business
$219.99
15
$3,299.85
Christopher Parkening Guitar Method Volume 2 Book/CD
• Amazon Business
$12.88
10
$128.80
The Christopher Parkening Guitar Method - Volume 1: Guitar Technique
• Amazon Business
$8.58
15
$128.70
Neewer® 2 Pack Guitar Foot Rest, Made of Solid Iron, Provides Six Easily Adjusted Height Positions, Excellent Stability with Rubber End Caps and Non-slip Rubber Pad
• Amazon Business
$16.99
6
$101.94
Jazz Standards: Essential Elements Guitar Ensembles Mid-Intermediate Level
• Amazon Business
$10.99
6
$65.94
Pumping Nylon -- Intermediate to Advanced Repertoire: Supplemental Repertoire for the Best-Selling Classical Guitarist's Technique Handbook, Book & CD (Pumping Nylon Series)
• Amazon Business
$20.99
3
$62.97
Top Hits: Essential Elements Guitar Ensembles - Early Intermediate Level
• Amazon Business
$9.99
6
$59.94
The Beatles for 3 or More Guitars: Essential Elements Guitar Ensembles Early Intermediate Level
• Amazon Business
$9.99
6
$59.94
Pumping Nylon: The Classical Guitarist's Technique Handbook, Book & Online Audio (Pumping Nylon Series)
• Amazon Business
$18.99
3
$56.97
Pumping Nylon -- Easy to Early Intermediate Repertoire: Supplemental Repertoire for the Best-Selling Classical Guitarist's Technique Handbook (Pumping Nylon Series)
• Amazon Business
$8.63
6
$51.78
D'Addario EJ27N Student Nylon Classical Guitar Strings, Normal Tension
• Amazon Business
$5.99
3
$17.97
Materials cost
$4,034.80
Vendor shipping charges
$9.95
Sales tax
$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee
$60.52
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$4,135.27
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$729.75
Total project goal
$4,865.02
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$4,865.02
1 Donor
-$4,865.02
Donations toward project cost
-$4,135.27
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
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. Letson and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
