This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because
it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.
My Students
My ultimate goal as a music teacher is to develop the next generation of musicians, connoisseurs, recording artists, concert goers, and composers. These skills begin developing at the primary level, with rhythm. And rhythm begins with drumming.
My students love to play instruments!
Put a drum or bells in their hands and they would happily play all day long. Our school is very supportive of music, but this is only the third year, and building a music program is expensive. When students come to music class, they are prepared to sing, play, move, and write music. Second and third graders learn how to notate music and we have used Dr. Seuss as inspiration for our composing. Third grade students join chorus and play Orff xylophones. My students work well with each other and support each others' musicianship in ways I am impressed with every day. We love making music together!
My Project
My students need 23 drums so that we can practice our rhythm and ensemble skills. Currently, I have 6 hand drums that I am using with students in the primary grades. Because rhythm is a foundational concept in music, drumming is a very important way for my students to begin their music making. When we have more drums, students will be able to practice their rhythm skills like a true drum ensemble. Right now, we have to share and trade off with the drums. I can't wait for them to develop their listening and echoing skills as we sing songs from around the world, move to music, and learn the basics of reading and composing music.
All students should have the gift of music.
When these hand drums are purchased, my largest classes of students will not have to share amongst one another in order to practice their musicianship. My students are already becoming excellent musicians, and the addition of drums will increase their ability to play rhythms, accompany their singing, and write their own songs.
Nearly all 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
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
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. Stephens and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
