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.
"It's amazing when you introduce instruments, you get kids coming out of the woodwork wanting to play."
But...we need more instruments. The demand is getting greater for my program. I want to make them all little Jake Shimabukuro's and Herb Ohtas (ukulele masters).
My mission is to teach the ukulele in an after school enrichment program on a strictly voluntary basis. I will teach approximately four more students ukulele care, methods, chords, strumming, fingerstyle, songwriting, popular songs, musical heritage, lead ukulele and scales, and performance.
My school is located in the Inner City. 98% of students receive free or reduced lunch and 75% are English Language Learners. Students have minimal exposure to other cultures and discovering the ukulele is a great way to introduce other cultures through music, as well as explore the music of their own culture. It will also help them express themselves when they are speaking, reading, or writing.
The students’ neighborhood is riddled with gang violence, poverty, and a lack of hope. Students are commonly exposed to violence through the media, at home, and on the streets. In my nine years of teaching experience, bringing special programs to schools in this neighborhood such as these brings positive changes to the student’s perception, ideals, dreams, and life experiences. Putting an instrument in a young child's hands empowers them and gives them a sense of responsibility. They will be more compelled to play music after school or at home than get in trouble on the street.
I need 4 concert ukuleles to add to my after school program. This project will enable and allow 4 additional students per year to participate in a musical instrument program after school as an ensemble. I will keep the instruments for other students the year after. The following year, another 4 students will be able to be exposed and participate, and so on. The end result is after a year of instruction for an hour a week; we might just produce some future musicians. The project has already inspired students at this school. It is ongoing, and two of my ukulele students in third grade have already written their own songs. My goal is to reach as many students as I can with the power of music.
They are learning popular songs such as "Rise Up" by Eddie Vedder, "I'm a Believer" by Smashmouth, and "We Got the Beat" by the Go-Gos. Plus they are starting to learn other popular Hawaiian songs and songs from the 60s era.
You will make it possible for these excited and motivated students to learn about the ukulele. Plus, ukulele is easier to play than guitar. Our community will be deeply affected by the program. With your help, we can create a culture of learning and a culture of music at our school. We will ensure that students will become successful aspiring musicians, and carry on their love for music into future grades. Teaching the ukulele will help break down cultural barriers and allow these students to teach others about their experiences. Your help will empower these children to take music into their own hands. Together we can change these student’s lives and future for the better.
My students need 4 ukuleles to learn the music and the chords in order to perform in front of a live audience.
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
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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. Ichikawa-Masi and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
