My students need basic supplies for all instruments . We were given 11 violins as a donation which all need violin shoulder rests. Having equipment that makes playing an instrument comfortable is essential and healthy.
This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
My Students
Our students come from all walks of life. We are the largest school in the state of Alaska with 2,200 students. We serve a community of students where two thirds of them live below the poverty line. But it is our differences that make us strong. We are the most diverse school in North America with over 100 languages being spoken in our district. 84% of our student body is non-white and there is no majority. Because of these differences, we have a strong bond in our school spirit and it is evident in all aspects of the school.
The Orchestra program is a two time GRAMMY signature school recognized for its musical success and accomplishments.
The orchestra program averages over 140 students yearly and serves all types of students from the most accomplished honor level students to students with disabilities. We have an inclusive classroom where the use of technology will allow differentiation for visual learners.
My Project
String players are really athletes. We train just as hard and as seriously as regular athletes. It is essential that all musicians of any level have the correct equipment to play their instrument without pain and injury to their health.
Pain free playing must come first if we want our students to stick with music.
Our program's main focus in starting any student on a string instrument is injury prevention and using the equipment needed to keep our students safe from harm. Students are taught to fit the instrument to their bodies, not their bodies to the instrument. Violin and viola players are at the most risk but all instruments must be played with care. Upper strings must take particular care of their necks, thus the need for chinrests that do not poke the chin area and allow for a healthy violin or viola setup. Most instruments are set up for adults and do not take into account the teenage frame. Also, all of the nerves that control the fingers pass through the neck; any pressure on these nerves and pain will result.
We are requesting chinrests, shoulder rests, chinrest pads, and hardware which will ensure that all upper strings in our program will play pain free. The cello endpin anchors will promote healthy cello playing without the instrument slipping into an unhealthy position. The cello and bass rosin are basic necessities for bows to sound their best when played.
We respectfully request these items to make our players healthy and create beautiful music.
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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 Mrs. Wilkins and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
