This project was submitted by the 7th grade band. Most of them had never played a band instrument prior to September of 2015. On the first day of school very few of them even know what a euphonium was, let alone ever played one! They are super enthusiastic and have awesome energy and exuberance!
"It's older than my grandma!" one student exclaimed, as she explained why the focus of this grant should be obtaining a new euphonium. Many of my students are used to playing on instruments that have been in service since the late 1960's/early 1970's. While they rarely complain about the condition of our aging instruments, their progress is often hindered. The students in the seventh grade band agreed that a few of our euphoniums need to be retired, as they barely play and leak saliva all over the students. The following essays are a culmination of class discussion followed by the development of persuasive essays.
The seventh grade band knows nearly a full octave! They can read music and are beginning beautiful harmony together. This is no small feat, as only three months ago the overwhelming majority of them had never played a band instrument before. In band class, the students learn a wealth of musical skills, from music literacy, to playing instruments, to performing; the seventh grade band year is always exciting! While musical skill development is important, the life skills students take away from this class are paramount to success in the future. In band, they learn to work as a team. They learn compassion when they encourage classmates who are struggling. They learn to overcome differences in order to make music together. Above all, my students develop an incredible sense of respect for one another that transcends socioeconomic, ethnic, language, and academic barriers.
In Their Own Words
These euphoniums are so old, my mom looks young next to them. The MS 158 Band's euphoniums have been in use for over 40 years. They are damaged and dented to the extent that duct tape is needed to hold them together. We need new euphoniums to replace the ones that can barely function. The euphonium is an essential part of the band that serves as the bass line. A new one would help our overall performance. Please allow our old euphonium to retire and let a newborn come into our band.
With our teacher's help, we could achieve this goal by donating money to the project and spreading the project with family and friends. We will also spread the word through social media, such as Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook. Additionally, we can make fliers and spread the word verbally. We will convince people to donate because even the smallest amount can make a difference.
Band gives children an opportunity to express themselves through an instrument. We have euphoniums from 1972 that leak spit. Duct tape covers the leaks and there are many dents. If we get new euphoniums our band will sound better. The students in the band will become better musicians, because they will use instruments that work. Many students are passionate about playing the euphonium but need better instruments to express its true sound. Thank you for reading our project!
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
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