My students need keyboards and stands, along with headphones and headphone splitters to help them develop artistically, cognitively, physically, and socially.
I am a music teacher specializing in keyboard and choral music. For several years, I taught in a school where I slowly assembled a keyboard lab, a few instruments at a time. I set up the keyboards all facing the conductor’s position; as the kids learned how to play, they worked on music for solo piano and also music for orchestra, rock/pop band, and even a sound effects ensemble by playing the wide variety of sounds in the keyboards. We played classical études, Hey Jude, Billie Jean, and many other songs, including original pieces. Some students told me that my class was the only reason they came to school at all.
Music can provide educational traction and simple joy in a way that no other subject area can.
That became very evident as I developed my program. But last summer I was moved to another school in the same district, and I was not able to take the instruments and other equipment from my prior classroom. My current room has only 2 partially-functioning keyboards, and the kids race into the room in order to use them. I want to replicate my program here!
My Project
Ultimately, I want to have 15 keyboards in the room, but I need to limit my budget to $2000, and I am only interested in providing quality instruments to my students. I took a lot of time to research what is currently available, and I know that the model I've chosen is well-made and offers many excellent features; it is a newer model of a keyboard I was very successful within my last school. Thus, my request is for 3 keyboards and stands, along with headphones (for everyone's sanity!) and headphone splitters, so kids can share keyboards.
Music is EVERYWHERE, and its ubiquity reflects its importance.
How many musical compositions have you heard today on television, in public spaces, on your computer, or coming from someone's car? Most of us hear dozens or even a hundred pieces of music every day in virtually all forms of media. Who are the many thousands of people who get to write, produce, perform and otherwise deal with that music professionally? Folks who were exposed to the tools and techniques as kids, that’s who. My students deserve those opportunities and experiences as much as anyone, and I hope very much that you can help us out! Thank you.
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