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This teacher needs your help!

Mrs. Jones from Williamsburg, VA is requesting other through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Mrs. Jones is requesting

When You Think of African Music, You Think of....

My students need a twelve inch tubano drum to play in general music class.

FULLY FUNDED! Mrs. Jones's classroom raised $287

This project is fully funded

My Students

If you asked pretty much anyone what instrument they associate with African music, they would say "DRUMS"! Although there are many other instruments used in African music, drums are the driving force in this music.

I teach 480 students in grades k-5 in general music.

This year, approximately 43% of our students qualify for free or reduced price lunch. About 14% are Hispanic, 20% African American, and about 25 students are considered homeless. I see my students once a week for a forty-five minute music class, and for the majority of these children, their weekly music class is their only exposure to "real" instruments. I want to be sure that the instruments they use in music class are not only beautiful to look at but also speak to their spirits by having a beautiful tone.

My Project

In fifth grade general music, we do world music, so each month or so, I teach about the music of a different culture or country. So far this year, we have done Hispanic music, Caribbean music, Middle Eastern music, and right now, the music of Africa. We talked about the similarities in the music of the Caribbean and Africa, and why those similarities exist. They are learning how to "layer" rhythm patterns to achieve the wonderful complex sound associated with African music. In June, these fifth grade students will perform a drum ensemble for their families and for the student body in a "Celebration of World Music." I also use drums with the other grade levels. Fourth grade has done drumming to Native American music. The primary grades drum patterns that are found in nursery rhymes and folk songs. The beautiful thing about playing a drum is that there are no "wrong" notes to play, so that all students can feel successful in their contribution to the music.

I have been building the drum collection for my music classroom for about seven years now.

My ultimate goal is to have one drum per student. Right now, we are about halfway towards that goal, thanks to the DonorsChoose grants we have received. This wonderful twelve inch tubano will be joyfully received and will have many years of use with all of the students in my school, thanks to your generosity.

Mrs. Jones Matthew Whaley Elementary School Grades 3-5

Equity Focus

This project directly supports students at a historically underfunded school. Learn more about our Equity Focus.

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Williamsburg, VA View local requests

More than half of 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

480 students impacted 14donors

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
100 Series Tunable Tubanos • Woodwind & Brasswind $209.99 1 $209.99

Materials cost

$209.99

Vendor shipping charges

 FREE

Sales tax

 $0.00

3rd party payment processing fee

$3.15

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$243.14

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$42.91

Total project goal

$286.05

How we calculate what's needed

Total project goal

 $286.05

10 Donors

-$279.28

Donations toward project cost

-$241.44

Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$37.84

match offer

-$2.00

Match offer toward project cost

-$1.70

Match offer to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$0.30

Excluded support for DonorsChoose

-$4.77

Still needed View calculationHide calculation

 $0.00

Our team works hard to negotiate the best pricing and selections available.

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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 Mrs. Jones and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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