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This teacher needs your help!

Ms. Foots from Mobile, AL is requesting musical instruments through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

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Music That Looks and Sounds Like Us

Help me give my students music to sing that reflects the influence of Africa on modern music through jazz, the words of Langston Hughes, and rhythms rooted in African and African American music.

FULLY FUNDED! Ms. Foots's classroom raised $358

This project is fully funded

My Project

My students love to sing, yes, even my older students. Finding music that speaks to their hearts and holds their attention through weeks of rehearsals means paying close attention to their often unspoken wants and needs. Our school system doesn’t allow music teachers to use songs “off the radio” that students already know and love, so I’m always looking for choral music that offers a similar rhythmic drive, jazzy flair, or meaningful message.

This project will bring meaningful representation into our classroom by sharing music that celebrates Black culture and honors Africa’s influence on the music we love.

The songs I’ve chosen are rooted in African American heritage and African traditions: an arrangement of a Langston Hughes poem that connects students to the inspiring spirit of the Harlem Renaissance; "Sisi Ni Moja," a vibrant piece that celebrates unity through East African rhythms; and "Everybody," a joyful jazz piece that introduces students to the rich creativity of African American music. These songs will do more than enrich our performances—they’ll help students see themselves and others reflected in powerful, authentic ways, building pride, understanding, and a true sense of belonging through the joy of making music together.

Thank you for supporting this project to bring racial representation into the classroom through music—and for helping open the door to meaningful conversations about racial justice in music, both past and present.

Project tagged as

Mobile, AL
Grades 3-5
Racial Justice & Representation
Traditional School
Musical Instruments
More than half of students from low‑income households

Ms. Foots Eichold - Mertz School Math & Science Grades 3-5

Celebrate Black teachers and kids! This project supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of students are Black.

Equity Focus

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Mobile, AL View local requests

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

600 students impacted 25donors

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes

Materials Cost Quantity Total

Everybody Two-Part Virtual Choir Bundle • JW Pepper $57.99 1 $57.99

SA Part Dominant MP3 Bundle for Sisi Ni Moja • JW Pepper $49.99 1 $49.99

The Dream Keepers Two-Part Part-Dominant MP3 Bundle • JW Pepper $49.99 1 $49.99

SA Octavo for Sisi Ni Moja • JW Pepper $2.90 10 $29.00

Everybody • JW Pepper $2.65 10 $26.50

Dream Keeper 2-Part Octavo • JW Pepper $2.35 10 $23.50

Materials cost			$236.97
Vendor shipping charges			$13.99
Sales tax			$19.31
3rd party payment processing fee			$3.55
Fulfillment labor & materials			$30.00
Total project cost			$303.82
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms			$53.62
Total project goal			$357.44
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal			$357.44
22 Donors			-$181.14
Donations toward project cost			-$177.69
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms			-$3.45
Matching donations from our partners			-$148.39
Match offers toward project cost			-$126.13
Match offers to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms			-$22.26
Excluded support for DonorsChoose			-$27.91
Still needed View calculation Hide calculation			$0.00

Our team works hard to negotiate the best pricing and selections available.

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Project Activity

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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. Foots and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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Help teachers & students in your hometown this season! Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

This teacher needs your help!

Music That Looks and Sounds Like Us

This project is fully funded

My Project

Project tagged as

Celebrate Black teachers and kids! This project supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of students are Black.

Equity Focus

Boost your odds

Top rated for efficiency and transparency.

TEACHERS, FEELING INSPIRED?

Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes

How we calculate what's needed

Give the most requested basic supplies

Find a school near you

Project Activity

Project Activity

DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.