My classroom is a busy place to be! I serve over 120 students each day. My students work hard throughout the day, choosing to come to my room instead of lunch to practice! The biggest challenge is the lack of supplies. My budget is tiny, and I can't support all of the students' needs in my program.
My students are some of the most passionate kids I've ever met.
They are extremely dedicated to their craft, taking their instruments home most days, working with me in the after school program, and even giving up lunch periods with their friends to come practice. The district I work in is partially under state control, and a majority of our students receive free or reduced lunch. It is not possible for me to ask a majority of my students to contribute financially to maintain the supplies needed to play on their school-owned instruments.
My Project
My students need woodwind reeds, bridges, and strings to continue making music together. Using these resources, students will have the ability to practice without strings missing, without perilously bent violin bridges, and without chipped reeds. They will not feel embarrassed by having to tell me that they have to quit band because they can't afford the reeds or strings that they need to maintain their instruments.
I wish to make this an environment where students don't have to feel scared or awkward about the things that they lack. They thrive on performance experiences like our Winter and Spring Concerts, and they love to do community events like playing at the local hospital for the holidays, on our city's waterfront, and even in our local parks for the farmer's markets.
This project is going to help my students study music without inhibitions.
They'll be able to play on good quality instruments with good quality supplies, and they'll be able to focus more on making music than on the material things that they can't afford. Participating in this ensemble is much like being a member of a family. The kids all support each other, and they love coming together to create magic! Please help my students create this musical magic together this holiday season.
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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. Cipolla and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.