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.
“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”
---Benjamin Franklin
This quote is the basis for the Orff philosophy of music education. Orff teaching involves the students through exploration and improvisation. The students are involved in the musical decisions.
I teach in New Mexico and am currently in my fourth year teaching K-5 music to rural students.
Since I have been here, we had a two-week residency with a professional percussionist who helped us build a permanent sound sculpture. We have enjoyed concerts including the Santa Fe Opera, Opera Unlimited and The US Army Reserve Saxophone Quintet.
We have an after school group which performs for the school and community. We were chosen to be the state elementary honor group for New Mexico for 2015-2016. We will perform a concert in January for over 1000 New Mexico music educators and students. We need a new alto xylophone for this concert. We commissioned a new work to premiere at this concert and the composer will be in the audience.
My Project
We will use the alto xylophone to help complete our ensemble sound. The unique color of this instrument helps balance and can also play melodies. It is important to have a wide variety of tone colors available, especially for the special concert we will present in January 2016.
My students are from a rural and isolated area of New Mexico.
I try very hard to bring them musical and cultural events. With my efforts, my students are exposed to culture and art that would otherwise not be available.
The addition of this instrument will enhance the event we have planned for January. Not only will we present a concert, but the students will have the opportunity to visit a university campus and a music education convention.
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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 Mr. K. and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
