My students live in Silicon Valley, but do not have access to the same benefits students of higher economic status receive. Most of my students are bilingual and come from supportive homes that struggle financially. Funding has been cut in more than 80 percent of U.S. school districts since 2008. As recent as 2009, music programs were being cut from schools due to drastic budget cuts within the State of California's budget. Almost all of the students have never had any kind of music class before coming to my classroom.
My students are amazing and resilient individuals who inspire me every day to bring my best for them.
Tim Lauztenheiser says it best, “There is no substitute or replacement for music making as it relates to positive growth and development of the human mind, body, and spirit. Participation in band avails the musician to the infinite journey of creative expression connecting to a language (music) that is understood, communicated, and appreciated by all of mankind around the globe. More importantly, music is a place for everyone.” Help my school continue supporting my students' needs and dream by donating to this project.
My Project
My students in East San Jose deserve the opportunities of other schools, including many elsewhere in Silicon Valley, that support their personal and emotional growth through music. Music helps students bond with others they might not otherwise interact with, gives students a sense of confidence in meeting new challenges, and provides an emotional outlet that balances out the heavy demands of academics -- while also building mathematics and language skills through cross-curricular learning.
We do not play music to get to the end of it; we play it to make music.
Since I began this musical journey with my middle schoolers, they have been learning how to read rhythms and melodies on 5 gallon buckets and recorders. I have watched their passion for learning music grow as pitches take shape and become a moving melody. As pre-teens and teens with a solid general music education, it is time for them to be challenged in a new, large group performance setting. Help provide my students the joy of concert band and instrumental skills with impacts that last a lifetime, and support this project. Your generous donation will allow 2 more students to join band on flute. We're building this program from the ground up. If you have a different favorite instrument, our aspiring clarinetists or trombones would also appreciate support.
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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. B. and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.