I teach in a school with a very culturally diverse student body. My goal with these instruments is to create a drumming ensemble to allow students to explore and perform music from around the world.
I teach at a Title I Arts & Science Magnet school, which means that more than half the students qualify for free or reduced lunch.
We have implemented this magnet to provide additional arts and science learning opportunities for students. Each week, students in grades 3-5 choose an elective to participate in for one semester. All students in grades K-2 receive 2 30 minute Suzuki violin lessons, funded by grants. My plan for the drums received from this project is to add an elective class and use the World Music Drumming curriculum during students' regular music time.
These kids are very excited about learning and the families are quite supportive of education. Most cannot, however, provide musical enrichment for their students outside of what they receive at school due to their lower income. I want to give the students this opportunity that they otherwise would not receive.
My Project
Take a look at the photo. Imagine children from age 5 to 12 standing or sitting behind those drums. Close your eyes and visualize these students working together to create an ensemble piece of music. Now open your eyes and see the joy on their faces; joy from the power of music allowing them to escape and create with their classmates.
The drums in this photo were loaned to me for a teacher workshop presented by World Music Drumming. Marshall Elementary would like to provide drums to its students to learn the World Music Drumming Curriculum. Please help me bring this curriculum to my students.
With these drums, students from all grade levels will be able to work together and create music from around the world. Students will also learn about these cultures and what role music plays in their lives. Music in our world is rich in historical value.
I would be honored to be able to bring these instruments to the students.
Funding across the state of Arizona has been slashed at all levels and schools are left with very little for the students. Your donation of these instruments will greatly enrich the lives of the students at our school.
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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. White and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.