My students are from a rural community approximately 25 miles north of a navy base. The school has around 300 students with two classrooms per grade level, and though we are small, we are mighty!
My students are creative, thirsty for knowledge, and enthusiastic about broadening their horizons by learning to play a variety of instruments rather than playing the traditional percussion instruments throughout their elementary experience.
My students are continuing to learn how to read sheet music. They are excited about the prospect of learning to play an instrument that they can play so many songs on while singing at the same time. This application of theory is an excellent way for them to stay excited about music.
My Project
This project will introduce my students regardless of income or background to an exciting new instrument that will help keep them invested in learning about music. Too often, general music becomes stale and stagnant when using a limited type of instrument that does not appeal to our diverse community. Right now, we are on track to have 10 ukuleles in the classroom. Funding this project will mean we have almost enough ukuleles to be one-to-one - less time for students watching and more time doing.
"Tell me, I forget; show me, I remember; involve me, I understand."-This quote by Carl Orff sums up why my students need to be able to continue to play instruments; active experience is vital.
Ukulele is a good introduction to chordal instruments and many students are very enthused about the prospect of playing an instrument that they can aspire to playing current music on. It should be noted that learning an instrument that is chordal and allows you to sing while playing it involves development of the whole brain.
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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. Drake and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
