I teach in a classroom where we are excited about what we do. We are expressive, critical thinkers. We take risks, we learn from our mistakes, and we celebrate our successes.
I teach orchestra.
In grades 6-8, there are 230 orchestra students between two buildings in my district.
We are aspiring learners and musicians. We are excited about what we do, and we use music to explore history, science, literacy, and other arts.
My students are racially and socioeconomically diverse. But they all have one thing in common. They are aspiring musicians.
My Project
Anyone who has played a musical instrument will tell you that beginners need quality instruments to learn on. When the instrument doesn't work well, beginners get frustrated. When the instrument doesn't hold them back, their achievements are limitless!
Earlier this year, an enthusiastic young bass player had an accident and damaged a school-owned string bass. The extent of the damage is such that the instrument cannot be repaired. The student felt awful, but there was nothing to be done except to have him play a different instrument. The instrument is not in great shape, but it is all we have available at the moment.
I would love to be able to provide a new, high quality, durable string bass for my young bass players, but my operating budget won't allow for the purchase of one at this time.
A new bass for my students will allow them to play an instrument that make a good sound, which will make them feel proud and confident in their musicianship.
The instrument would be used by 6th, 7th, and 8th grade players. They will learn technique and musicianship through their study of the bass, but also literacy, teamwork, and self expression. I truly believe that music education is important--for some students it is life-saving.
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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. Josephson and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
