This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because
it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.
My Students
I teach music at a public elementary school in the heart of mid-town Manhattan in Hell's Kitchen. My students represent over 35 different nations from around the world. Some are learning to speak English for the first time, and others are joining our community from temporary housing shelters. Some are seeking refuge from natural disasters in other parts of the world, while others are performing in musical theater shows on Broadway. Our marvelous students are a diverse bunch of children who are learning to share both their passions and struggles with their fellow students and teachers. We celebrate our differences together as we learn to be proud and confidant in our unique skin.
My school prides itself on encouraging children to express themselves- their hopes, fears, and dreams- through music, dance, and visual art.
Our students live for the arts. They walk in the door singing songs they've made up and eagerly share drawings they've created at home. The performing arts have been the glue that brings our kids together and has leveled the playing field allowing all children from all walks of life to play successfully on the same team.
My Project
As part of their musical journey, every child in our school receives a recorder in third grade which they learn to play for three years. Through playing the recorder, they develop habits of musicianship, personal responsibility, ensemble skills and teamwork, read music notation, express themselves through improvisation and composition, and learn to enjoy an instrument of their very own.
This concert by world-renowned recorder virtuoso Horacio Franco and the American Classical Orchestra will inspire my little musicians to reach their musical goals like never before!
They will get to ask him questions and hear him talk about his travels and studies. He will perform an intense program demonstrating his many recorders- sopranino, soprano, alto, tenor, and bass. Many of my students who become advanced players will play these types of recorders in the upper grades. Perhaps the best part is that after the concert, a select small group of my students will get to have a private small group lesson with Mr. Franco in our music room!!! This kind of opportunity happens once in a lifetime. I know that it will be something they never forget.
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
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 Mrs. Traxler and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
