My students need countless amounts of fresh reeds so they can participate on their woodwind instruments during band class.
FULLY FUNDED! Mr. Dyson's classroom raised $330
This project is fully funded
My Students
Beginning students in band are an enthusiastic bunch, eager to learn and play their instruments. However, a major challenge facing some students is that band participation can be expensive. Necessary expenses such as reeds may deter students from participation and effectively limit access to music.
As I said earlier, my students are beyond excited in learning to play their instruments.
However, many students do not have the financial means to support their studies in music.
I teach in a low-income, Title 1 school. The majority of our students come from low-income households. At this point, our school demographics can be incredibly revealing. Our school also maintains a strong background in ethnic diversity (25% Asian, 26% Asian/Pacific Islander, 33% African-American, 20% Hispanic, 12% White). Still, our students have been known to struggle financially. In 2012, 74.9% of our students qualified for and received free/reduced-price lunch services. The percentage is quite higher now.
Despite troubling financial circumstances, our students are resilient. They have proved so in my beginning and intermediate band classes. Every day I go to work, I hope to offer them equitable access to music education. That is one reason I am writing this project on Donors Choose!
My Project
I am requesting donations for new woodwind reeds to supply my students. These reeds will be provided based on the individual need of each student. For example, if a child's family does not have the funds to buy reeds on a continuous basis, that child will be supplied with one. If a student's reed breaks prior to a concert, he/she will be able to participate because we will have spares available. In the end, this will increase access to music education.
Making music education as accessible as possible is important because it is much more than learning to play notes off a piece of paper. Through music education, students learn how to serve their community through music. In my classroom, students put their music to work in the community. I focus on how my students can serve others through the performance of music. How can they impact their communities as a musician? Supplying young musicians with the materials to be able to do this will help ensure my students' success in this pursuit.
As I've mentioned above, the financial requirement associated with band can substantially limit low-income students' participation in music education.
By donating to this cause, you will be directly impacting music education in a highly urban school. A significant detractor for band participation will be partially alleviated and we'll be able to continue positively affecting kids through music!
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.
