Every week, 300 students spend time in our school's music room. Many delight in singing or creating, some play instruments, and almost all enjoy listening to music.
I teach creative and talented students who yearn for musical experiences outside of the classroom.
What does the world hold for them? Where will they travel? What will they do? How will they get there? Through experience, students can open their minds to endless possibilities; they can create goals and resolve to reach them. I hope to provide such opportunities within our school music program.
My Project
This is an incredible opportunity for students to experience Chicago's world-class offerings. Fifth-grade students will travel to Chicago, Illinois to see the musical The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, based, of course, on the best-selling Percy Jackson novels. Although the big city is close, it certainly is not cheap.
Funds donated will significantly ease total ticket costs to allow students this unique and valuable performance experience.
In truth, this project is not possible without funding from generous donors. With funding, we can make this experience a reality for students.
The performing arts encompass nearly all subject areas. Many artistic productions demonstrate the connections between music and the other arts, other subject areas, and real life. Surely The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical promotes the well-rounded education we strive to impart to students. Its literary connections, characters, and inventive lyrics present an opportunity for cross-curricular learning. A review by Raven Snook of Time Out New York states, "Judging from the enthusiastic reactions from the tweens surrounding me, this musicalization of Rick Riordan's best-selling YA mash-up of Greek myths and modern-day adolescence is worthy of the gods. But underneath its fantasy trappings is a relatable coming-of-age tale about growing up and finding your place in the world—mythical or otherwise."
To prepare for the performance, students will participate in an intensive learning unit with the music teacher and classroom teachers alike. In the classroom, students will receive copies of the book and participate in a book study, engaging in themes of adolescence and self-confidence. They will also explore the world of Greek mythology. In music class, students will discuss story-based music composition.
Students yearn for an experience. Students dream and create goals based on experience. Help us continue this annual experience: a KES-to-Chicago tradition.
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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 Ms. Kuchenbrod and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.