My students need Djembe, shekere, drums, and other types of instruments in order to learn and perform music of different cultures. Many of these instruments will be used in learning about African and South American music, to name a few.
The grade levels that would benefit from this grant would actually be grades 4-6. Our students are unique in that many are poverty-stricken, have extreme hardships or severe trauma in their lives. The school I work in is very diverse in culture and ethnicity. I am very committed to being the most culturally and linguistically supportive music teacher I can be to help my students appreciate music from many places in the world.
My students enjoy connecting history and people to the music we are studying.
Teaching music from various places in the world along with some history behind the culture we study, allows students to connect to their own historical roots as well as learn about and appreciate music of other cultures.
My Project
If funded, students will be able to learn how to play complex rhythms, improvise, and play parts in an ensemble; all of which are part of the music theory curriculum. I will be able to teach them about African drumming and why drumming is such an important part of the many African cultures.
Integrating education about cultures from around the world with traditional music of different areas will help my students become knowledgeable and appreciative of other cultures as well as their own.
The instruments I am interested in purchasing can be used in learning music from Puerto Rico, South America, American, Japan, and China.
Other ideas I have in the future of teaching and learning with students include performing cultural music at our fine arts performances at school as well as in the community. I have access to having professional educators from the world renounced Lawrence University in Appleton Wisconsin, located only a few blocks from our school, to visit our students and teach them how to play specific traditional songs of many cultures with authentic instruments such as the ones I am requesting to purchase. The best part of receiving instruments for my classroom is the instruments will be used for many decades to come.
In summer, there is a musical event in Appleton Wisconsin called Mile Of Music. At the week-long event, the public is able to go to many masterclasses such as drumming circles with dancing, introduction to ukulele, an introduction to the didgeridoo, to name a few.There is also a monthly drum circle opportunity once a week at a local music store where anyone may participate. I believe with my help in teaching students about different cultural music, students will be more apt to learn more about these opportunities in the community.
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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. Vander Pas and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
