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This teacher needs your help!

Mrs. Smercina from Lorain, OH is requesting musical instruments through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Mrs. Smercina is requesting
Fully Funded

Mrs. Smercina's classroom raised $931

Instrument Care Essentials

Help me give my students cleaning supplies for their instruments so that we can care for them better.

Classroom photo
Mrs. Smercina profile photo
Mrs. Smercina Clearview High School
Lorain, OH Grades 9-12

My Project

When obtaining an instrument, the care kit often gets overlooked as an additional cost that a caregiver may not have planned for. However, these supplies are incredibly important! Clean and well-maintained instruments produce superior sound quality, allowing students to accurately learn and develop their musical skills. An instrument that works properly is important in reducing frustration and enabling students to focus on technique rather than fighting a malfunctioning instrument. This leads to improved confidence and motivation, as students experience the positive feedback of their efforts through the clear, resonant sounds their instruments produce.

Learning to care for their instruments instills a sense of ownership and discipline, teaching students valuable life skills.

Beyond immediate playability, instrument care fosters responsibility and extends the lifespan of the instruments. Regular cleaning and preventative maintenance reduce the likelihood of costly repairs, saving students and schools money in the long term. Ultimately, instrument care supplies are not just about hygiene; they are crucial tools that empower students to fully engage with their musical education, leading to enhanced learning, increased confidence, and a deeper appreciation for music.

Proper instrument care is fundamental to a band student's learning experience. By helping to provide our students with the supplies needed, I can ensure that everyone's instrument is properly cared for and maintained, and that our students can continue to participate with a functioning instrument.

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

More than half of students from low‑income households

120 students impacted 9 donors
Mrs. Smercina Clearview High School Grades 9-12

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Lorain, OH View local requests

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

120 students impacted 9donors

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
Hodge Bass Clarinet Silk Swab Black • Music & Arts $22.59 10 $225.90
Superslick Silk Trumpet Leadpipe Swab • Music & Arts $6.99 25 $174.75
Monster Oil Original Synthetic Valve Oil • Music & Arts $8.95 15 $134.25
Monster Oil Synthetic Slide Oil • Music & Arts $8.95 8 $71.60
Giardinelli Trumpet Bore Cleaner • Music & Arts $6.99 10 $69.90
Selmer Cork Grease (Tube) • Music & Arts $2.29 15 $34.35
Giardinelli Trombone Bore Cleaner • Music & Arts $7.99 3 $23.97
Selmer Bore Oil • Music & Arts $4.99 3 $14.97

Materials cost

$749.69

Vendor shipping charges

 FREE

Sales tax

 $0.00

3rd party payment processing fee

$11.25

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$790.94

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$139.58

Total project goal

$930.52

How we calculate what's needed

Total project goal

 $930.52

8 Donors

-$768.02

Donations toward project cost

-$652.83

Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$115.19

match offer

-$162.50

Match offer toward project cost

-$138.12

Match offer to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$24.38

Still needed View calculationHide calculation

 $0.00

Our team works hard to negotiate the best pricing and selections available.

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Project Activity

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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. Smercina and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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