"My music fights against the system that teaches to live and die." This is a quote from Bob Marley, and is also a philosophy that I have been trying to teach the students in my classroom.
Unfortunately, many of my students have been broken, beaten, and scarred throughout their lives.
The majority of them come from extremely rough backgrounds and bring these scars with them to the classroom. It has become apparent to me that my students are trying to survive, period. They see life as black and white, life and death. I fight for my students, so they may understand that there is so much more than this. The demographics of our school speak very loudly: 57% of the students are African-American, while 18% are Asian. 65% of our students are on free/reduced lunch. These students may demonstrate a tough exterior but, on the inside, many are crying out for help. Music has the power to help these students succeed in the classroom. However, this school has not had a music program for a number of years. I am developing a music program from scratch and have brought many students into it. The students involved in the program enjoy it immensely. It is a wonderful resource for them.
My Project
We have a great opportunity to start building these students up through music. However, we cannot do that if we do not have the proper equipment. Throughout the year, my students have consistently questioned me about the quality of our music stands. As soon as I fix them, they fall apart again. This may seem like a minor inconvenience, but the students take it to heart. How can their sense of self-worth be built if they don't even have quality equipment at their disposal? Are we really going to overlook them because of their home situations? This is what goes through their heads every day, and they make it known through their attitudes, effort, and words. That is why I am asking for donors to help support the effort to purchase eight new music stands for the music program. If we bring quality equipment to these students, we can help change their sense of self perception. We can help them develop the skills that will be so important once they leaves the walls of their school.
This project is more important than music itself.
It is an issue of equity and self perception. These students deserve access to quality equipment, just like everybody else. If they are not given that right, they will continue to perpetuate their feelings of worthlessness outside of high school. Obtaining this basic equipment is a powerful way to start improving self-esteem. We, as teachers and donors, have the opportunity to positively influence these children. Thank you for your time.
More than three‑quarters 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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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. Dyson and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
