For 15 out of my 16 years of teaching I have taught on two Native American Reservations. I currently teach all music classes (Band/Choir/Percussion/Guitar/Music Appreciation) for grades 9-12. With so many obstacles and horrible situations, the school is many times the only stable thing in these students' lives.
It is truly amazing to break through their hard shells to find the passion and creativity that every single one of them has.
I have been in my current situation for 8 years and every year they continue to excel and impress me with their dedication and interest in pursuing music. I have many students who take multiple classes of mine and most of them want to learn more than just their main instrument ever.
The students are taking control of the program, playing at most of the football, volleyball, and basketball games and tournaments in addition to their musical Concerts, District Honors festival, District and State festival.
My Project
Every students can learn music. Some students are more successful on some instruments over others. We are going to start adding strings to our program and this violin would help provide this opportunity to one more student.
Many of our students suffer from generational trauma and PTSD.
Music is therapeutic and helps them work through issues. I will start the instruments in my music appreciation class to get some interest and then move to an after school club and hopefully next year add it as a class. We already have a few instruments, but more will give the opportunity to more students.
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