Our charter school is diverse in two ways: We serve students from Kindergarten through 8th grade, and we have a higher than average population of students with special needs. An additional feature of our 8-year-old school is that we only have General Music and Choir (no band or orchestra). For this reason, we sought and received grants to acquire a classroom set of ukuleles.
We have added an elective component this year, which we are calling Rhythm & Blues.
This quarter-long class, to be repeated four times, will explore Found Sound and Bucket Drumming, Taiko Drumming, and continuing ukulele.
For the first time, students have an actual choice for which elective class they take.
My Project
Once we have reinforced the bottoms of the plastic trash cans with plastic sheeting and clear tape, we will cut and sand the hardwood dowel rods, making them safe to use as Taiko bachi sticks. With two sizes of drums, students will learn to play in Japanese Taiko style.
The high energy Taiko drumming will refine their ensemble skills, and teach them to play precisely together.
The refined discipline from Taiko will improve their ability to play with other students in small groups. By the end of the course, students will combine drumming with ukulele playing in small student-led performing ensembles.
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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 Mrs. Hansen and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
