I teach at an inner-city elementary school right in Camden, working with around 500 students. Each student attends my music class and they always come in filled to the brim with energy! They're incredibly active and enthusiastic about discovering new musical concepts. This eagerness never fails to transfer over into my lessons.
My third grade students have especially become more excited since they have started to learn to play the recorder!
Having an actual instrument to hold in their hands seems to have encouraged their passion. Many of these students haven't had the opportunity as of yet to receive genuine experience with wind instruments, and the earlier they start, the better it would be in the long run if they want to continue pursuing music.
While we have managed to get each student their own recorder to practice and perform with, there are still some materials we are lacking in. Specifically, cleaning cloths for the instruments. Keeping our equipment sanitary will not only keep the students motivated to continue their practicing, but also promote a sense of responsibility in each students taking care of their assigned instrument. Please lend us a hand, and help us keep these recorders clean!
My Project
My third grade students have just been introduced to the recorder in music class, and it is a long step-by-step process. Learning about the instrument's origin, how to hold it, the appropriate posture and breathing technique involved are just the beginning steps needed. Now that they have started to actually play it though, the next step is maintaining it.
A recorder should come with a cleaning rod as well as a cleaning cloth, and unfortunately, most of my recorders are lacking cloths.
In order to keep the instrument sanitary and in proper working condition, both tools are needed. The cloth is placed into and around the rod, which is then inserted into the instrument to wipe down the saliva and as well as any excess food particles. If each of my students were able to get a cloth of their own for their instruments, it will be one more factor that will allow them to perform to the best of their ability!
More than a third 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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