Orff we go, into the..Soprano Xylophone

Celebrating Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month

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.

I am the Music Education Director for PS 129 in Harlem, Manhattan, NY (Pre-K through 6th grade). Approximately 88% of our students receive free or reduced lunch. My goal is to offer the students a vibrant instrumental music education program which will continually enrich their lives, further aiding in the development and enhancement of their scholastic abilities. Two years ago I accepted the task of recreating a viable Music Program for a school where 30 years past, was once known city-wide for its Music and Arts Program. Sadly, little remained of this stellar age. Through VH1's Save the Music program, I've fortunately been able to secure band instruments and method books for 36 students chosen from the fourth, fifth and sixth grades. We've also acquired both piano (pre-K – 2nd grades) and recorder labs (3rd grade)! Thanks to DonorsChoose!!, other like-minded Foundations and the many affiliate donors dedicated to the enhancement/ enrichment of child centered education in our public schools, I have received many exciting contributions in response to my proposals allowing me to enact and realize my vision for the children. They are thrilled beyond words! For example because of your help, I was able to create the beginnings of a Drum Choir (4th-6th grade students). You should see their faces! To further enhance our budding program, I would like to create an Orff environment (pre-K -3rd grade classes) and an Ensemble (2nd-4th grade students) in conjunction with the Recorder Lab. These easy to play instruments allow the student the pleasure of music making in its simplest form. Within the Orff environment and Ensemble, rudiments of music and math meet seamlessly, effortlessly as they learn, explore, compose, and dance with the idea of music merely being the sound of math. Note recognition, timbre all comes with play! Who can resist with benefits well proven; talents developed which are useful in all areas of study? It is for these reasons I graciously ask for 2 Sonor Primary Line Soprano Xylophones (c"-a"'). The children will be forever grateful and it would boost their confidence immensely! Again, thank you for considering my proposal. With your help we have been able to build from the bottom, up. The parents, staff, administration, I and community thank you for your continued support. If you are responsible for bringing this dream to life, please also accept the children's heartfelt gratitude.