This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
My Students
Our school in rural Alabama is one of three schools in our county. The enrollment for grades K-12 is less than 200. Ninety-eight percent of our students are economically disadvantaged. Most students here receive free or reduced-price lunch, and many have never left the county.
We want to start a real band here at our school because we feel that music education can have a powerful impact on our students' mindset and growth.
We desperately need musical instruments for our students.
My Project
As educators, we want to produce knowledgeable, well-rounded graduates. Reading, writing, and 'rithmetic are all very important, but sometimes arts education gets ignored. Research proves that learning to play an instrument has many positive benefits. Students learn discipline and teamwork. Music also helps students manage anxiety, enhances self-esteem, and even improves test scores.
We want to start a high school marching band, but we are in desperate need of working instruments.
I am asking for a sousaphone in this particular project.
Our school did have a band in the past, but as enrollment has dwindled, many "non-essentials" have been cut from the budget. Band is one victim of budget cuts. Most of the instruments left over from the old band are beyond repair. We need marching band instruments.
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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 Ms. Pritchett and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.