Rust and mold have come into the music room and ruined our cymbals and woodblocks! Many of our dearly loved instruments are broken or damaged and most could be 40 years old. With new instruments we will create beautiful sound-scapes accompany ourselves while we sing.
My students are my neighbors.
We live in a urban area in which approximately 90% of the families who attend our school qualify for free or reduced lunches. In our community there is no zoning. As a result, very wealthy people share fences with the "section 8" housing that is next to our school. People with the means to do so generally send their transfer their children to other public schools in more affluent areas or pay for private school. Despite all of this,my students are optimistic and eager to learn. They are talented, friendly and in need. There are so many life experiences that they simply have not had access to. Additionally, approximately 85% of my students qualify as English Language Learners which means that they must keep up with all the curricular demands of their grade level while trying to become an asset to the community as a bi-literate person. My students love music!
My Project
I have just completed my first year as music teacher at this particular school. I was dismayed to discover that almost every one of my woodblocks were broken and all of my cymbals were rusted through. Perhaps at one time these instruments where in working condition but some of them have been in the classroom for our entire 40 year history. My students need to experience properly caring for and putting away instruments while they are young so that they will be ready for more fragile and costly instruments later on. Providing undamaged equipment communicates to students that music is important. Music is the ultimate multi-cultural experience. Percussion instruments like cymbals and woodblocks are the easiest gateway into music from all over the world. In these days of global awareness, what better way for a children to appreciate another culture than by playing cymbals for a Chinese Dragon dance or accompanying a retelling of an African folk tale with woodblocks?
By donating to this project you will be ensuring that my students have appropriate and undamaged instruments to use as they learn to express themselves musically.
Cymbals and woodblocks are used to create musical experiences from all over the world and are used to provide one more avenue for developing musical literacy.
Nearly all 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
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. McSpadden and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
