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.
My Students
Have you every purchased a toy and did not notice until you left the store the fine print saying "batteries not included?" You trudged back to the store, postponing your delight until you had all the proper materials. My new musicians are in need of the "batteries" required for their instruments!
My students attend a Title I school in inner city Arizona.
1000+students, of mostly Latino demographic, with a large ESL population, immigrants, and refugees from various countries. The school is located in a crime-laden, poor-to-working-class area. The school provides free breakfast, lunch, and classroom materials for students (i.e. paper, pencils, crayons, etc).
Despite the socioeconomic constraints that face them outside of school, in school they shine. We are rated a "B" institution on the A-F scale. Students receive Special Areas education daily, with music being held twice every 6-day rotation. Instrumental students end up getting 4 music classes a week: 2 general, and 2 ensemble classes, due to our pull-out program.
And are they eager! Many students sacrifice their recess to learn an instrument, and still others come to see me before and after school to get extra practice time in. They are very respectful, taking great care of their instruments, and generously share.
My Project
About 80% of my instrumental students use a school-owned instrument, because the district $20-a-year fee is much more feasible than $20-45 a month required to rent from an instrument store. I come out of pocket to provide reeds, oil, books, and rosin for those in need. Those who CAN afford the materials do not always have transportation to get to a music store, because the family doesn't have a car or the parents work 2nd shift, during typical store hours.
Children cannot learn proper technique on cracked reeds, as the squeaks ruin their confidence. Brass players cannot practice proper technique with unlubricated valves; its discouraging. Unclean instruments present respiratory problems. And string instruments simply do not sing without rosin.
I wish to be able to provide each student using a school instrument with the start-up materials needed. This will help rehearsals go more smoothly, teach them proper maintenance, and ensure successful concerts.
Being able to start the year off arming every child with the materials and accessories they need would be a great help to the program.
This would give all students the same start at musicianship, and the confidence to press on knowing they have all the tools necessary to become musicians without worrying about money.
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
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
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 Ms. Thompson and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
