{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Round Lake - Brewster Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":50.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8930364,"projectId":10377271,"letterContent":"My students were so excited when the Strong Wind 21-inch soprano ukuleles arrived! For many of them, this was their first opportunity to hold and play a real musical instrument. We have begun using the ukuleles in class to learn basic chords, strumming patterns, rhythm, and how to play as an ensemble. Students are learning that making music together takes listening, patience, cooperation, and encouragement—and they are already cheering each other on as they learn new skills.\r\n\r\nThese ukuleles have helped transform our classroom from simply talking about and listening to music into a place where students are actively creating it. Students are gaining confidence as they learn songs and discover that they can actually play an instrument. I especially love seeing students who may not always feel successful in traditional academic settings become proud of themselves when they master a chord or successfully play along with their classmates. The ukuleles give every student a chance to participate and experience success.\r\n\r\nOur next step is to continue building our skills so students can play complete songs together. As they become more comfortable with the instrument, I hope to have students choose songs, experiment with different strumming patterns, and eventually create and perform their own music. Thank you for helping put instruments directly into my students' hands and giving them the opportunity to discover the joy, creativity, confidence, and lifelong connection that making music can bring.","fullyFundedDate":1786741432658,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-music-to-life-with-ukuleles/10377271/","projectTitle":"Bringing Music to Life With Ukuleles","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Erpelding","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8930364_orig.jpg?crop=945,945,x0,y6&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673897404640","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8930364"},{"teacherId":8930364,"projectId":10402714,"letterContent":"My beginning band students were so excited to use the new Jupiter Tryout Kits as they began the process of choosing their instruments. For many of my students, this was their very first experience holding and playing a band instrument. Being able to try different instruments allowed them to hear the differences in sound, feel how each instrument fit in their hands, and discover which instrument felt like the best match for them. Their excitement and curiosity were wonderful to see as they tried something completely new!\r\n\r\nThese kits have made our instrument-fitting process more hands-on, meaningful, and equitable. Instead of choosing an instrument simply because a friend plays it or because they like the way it looks, students can make an informed choice based on their own experience. The clean, sanitized mouthpieces and proper equipment also allow students to safely explore their options while giving every student access to the same high-quality experience, regardless of their family's financial circumstances.\r\n\r\nNow that students have made their instrument choices, we are moving forward with beginning-band lessons and learning the fundamentals of playing together. We are working on proper posture, instrument care, breathing, embouchure, and producing our first sounds. These Jupiter Tryout Kits helped us begin this journey on the right foot, and I am excited to watch these young musicians grow in confidence and skill throughout the year. Thank you for helping my students find their sound and giving them the opportunity to discover the joy of making music!","fullyFundedDate":1787320658137,"projectUrl":"project/every-student-deserves-the-chance-to-pla/10402714/","projectTitle":"Every Student Deserves the Chance to Play","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Erpelding","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8930364_orig.jpg?crop=945,945,x0,y6&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673897404640","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8930364"},{"teacherId":8930364,"projectId":10416983,"letterContent":"The ukuleles from our **\"Strum, Store, and Shine!\"** project have already brought so much excitement and energy into our music classroom! My students were thrilled to see the instruments and eager to begin learning how to hold, strum, and play them. For many of my middle school students, this is their first opportunity to learn a string instrument, and it has been wonderful to watch them discover that they are capable of making music themselves. Students are learning chords, practicing rhythm and coordination, and encouraging one another as they work through new skills. Even the students who were initially hesitant have been willing to try, make mistakes, and try again.\r\n\r\nHaving enough ukuleles for the entire class has made an especially meaningful difference. Instead of students waiting for a turn, everyone can be involved at the same time, allowing us to spend more of our class period actually making music. The storage rack has also helped us create a system where students learn to take responsibility for our instruments by carefully getting them out, returning them properly, and helping keep our classroom organized. These may seem like small routines, but they are helping students develop responsibility and pride in something they share with their classmates.\r\n\r\nOur next step is to continue building students' ukulele skills as they learn additional chords and begin accompanying songs together. Eventually, I hope to have students use the ukuleles to accompany singing, create their own musical ideas, and perform for others. I am so grateful to the donors who made this possible. You didn't just provide my students with instruments—you provided them with an opportunity to create, collaborate, build confidence, and experience the joy of making music together. These ukuleles will continue to impact students for years to come, and I am incredibly thankful that you chose to invest in their musical education.","fullyFundedDate":1787320680273,"projectUrl":"project/strum-store-and-shine/10416983/","projectTitle":"Strum, Store, and Shine!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Erpelding","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8930364_orig.jpg?crop=945,945,x0,y6&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673897404640","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8930364"},{"teacherId":8930364,"projectId":10416991,"letterContent":"My students were so excited to see our new Manhasset music stands arrive! What may seem like a simple classroom resource has made a noticeable difference in our band room. Students can now set up their music on sturdy, reliable stands that stay in place and hold their music securely. Instead of struggling with stands that are difficult to adjust or constantly collapsing, students can spend more time focused on playing, listening, and learning together.\r\n\r\nWe are using the new stands every day as students learn new music, practice proper playing posture, and prepare for upcoming performances. Having dependable equipment has helped create a more organized and professional rehearsal environment, and my students are learning that taking care of their equipment is an important part of being a musician. It has been especially rewarding to see students independently adjust their stands and quickly get ready for rehearsal without the frustration they experienced with our older equipment.\r\n\r\nOur next step is to continue building our young musicians' skills as we prepare for concerts and other performances throughout the school year. These stands will be used by many students for years to come, supporting them as they grow in confidence and musicianship. I am incredibly grateful to our donors for investing in our band program and helping my students have the quality resources they deserve. Your generosity is helping our students \"stand tall and make music with confidence!\"","fullyFundedDate":1787320726891,"projectUrl":"project/stand-tall-for-music-success/10416991/","projectTitle":"Stand Tall for Music Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Erpelding","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8930364_orig.jpg?crop=945,945,x0,y6&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673897404640","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8930364"},{"teacherId":8930364,"projectId":10174788,"letterContent":"The addition of student-sized guitars has made a meaningful difference in our music classroom. My students are excited to have instruments that feel comfortable in their hands and allow them to participate more confidently. For younger and smaller students, the 3/4-size guitars make it easier to reach the strings, form chords, and practice proper technique without feeling overwhelmed by a full-size instrument. Seeing a student successfully play their first chord—and then proudly play it again for a friend—is one of those small moments that makes a huge impact.\r\n\r\nMy students are learning that music is something they can create, not just something they listen to. These guitars are helping them develop coordination, patience, independence, and confidence while working together and encouraging one another. Our next steps are to continue building foundational skills, learning additional chords and simple songs, and eventually putting those skills together in a classroom performance. Thank you for helping provide instruments that fit my students and for giving them the opportunity to discover just how much they are capable of accomplishing through music!","fullyFundedDate":1784237251089,"projectUrl":"project/small-guitars-big-musical-dreams/10174788/","projectTitle":"Small Guitars, Big Musical Dreams","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Erpelding","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8930364_orig.jpg?crop=945,945,x0,y6&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673897404640","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8930364"},{"teacherId":8930364,"projectId":10140676,"letterContent":"The ukuleles have already brought so much excitement and energy into our music classroom! When my students first saw the new instruments, they were immediately curious and excited to pick them up and start playing. For many of my students, this is their first experience learning a string instrument, and it has been amazing to see them realize that they can actually make music themselves. Students who were sometimes hesitant to participate in music class were eager to try, practice, and show their classmates what they could do.\r\n\r\nWe are using the ukuleles to learn basic chords, steady beat, strumming patterns, and how to play songs together as an ensemble. One of my favorite moments has been hearing the classroom slowly turn from individual sounds into an actual song as students practice and help each other. We are still learning, so there are definitely some wrong notes and funny sounds along the way, but the students are laughing, encouraging each other, and continuing to try. Our next step is to build our chord vocabulary and use what we have learned to accompany songs and eventually perform for others. Thank you for putting an instrument into our students' hands and giving them the opportunity to experience the confidence and joy that comes from making \r\nmusic!","fullyFundedDate":1780062905092,"projectUrl":"project/strum-into-music-ukuleles-for-my-studen/10140676/","projectTitle":"Strum Into Music: Ukuleles for My Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Erpelding","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8930364_orig.jpg?crop=945,945,x0,y6&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673897404640","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8930364"},{"teacherId":8930364,"projectId":10244361,"letterContent":"Your support has already made a meaningful difference for my students! MakeMusic Cloud has given them a new way to practice that is interactive, encouraging, and much more independent.\r\n\r\nInstead of simply playing through a song and wondering if they are playing the notes correctly, students can receive immediate feedback as they practice. This helps them identify mistakes, make corrections, and understand that improvement comes from working through challenges—not from being perfect the first time.\r\n\r\nMy students are especially excited by the immediate feedback and the feeling that the technology is working alongside them. Students who sometimes hesitate to practice independently have been more willing to try because they can see their progress and receive encouragement along the way.\r\n\r\nWhat excites me most is watching students who once needed constant reassurance begin to trust themselves. They are becoming more confident, more independent musicians and are coming into class better prepared to contribute to the ensemble.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students and giving them access to a tool that helps make meaningful music learning possible both inside and outside our classroom. Your generosity is helping unlock potential that is already there!","fullyFundedDate":1779119793927,"projectUrl":"project/their-potential-is-therehelp-us-unlock/10244361/","projectTitle":"Their Potential Is There—Help Us Unlock It","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Erpelding","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8930364_orig.jpg?crop=945,945,x0,y6&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673897404640","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8930364"},{"teacherId":8930364,"projectId":10221342,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our students now have a safe and organized place to store their guitars. Before receiving this guitar stand, instruments were often placed around the room wherever space could be found. Now, each guitar has a designated spot, making it much easier for students to access, return, and care for their instruments. The stand has helped create a more organized classroom environment and has reduced the risk of accidental damage to our guitars.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new stand, they were excited to see their instruments displayed like they would be in a professional music classroom or studio. Several students immediately commented on how much cleaner and more organized the room looked. One of my favorite moments was watching students independently retrieve and return their guitars without needing reminders. The stand has helped reinforce responsibility and pride in taking care of shared classroom resources.\r\n\r\nWe are currently using the guitars as part of our general music curriculum, where students are learning chords, strumming patterns, and ensemble performance skills. Because the instruments are now stored safely and efficiently, we spend less time managing equipment and more time making music. Our next steps include expanding students' chord knowledge, learning more complex songs, and increasing opportunities for small-group performances. Your support has helped create a classroom where students can focus on learning, collaborating, and growing as musicians every day. Thank you for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1778854771804,"projectUrl":"project/stand-up-for-our-guitars/10221342/","projectTitle":"Stand Up for Our Guitars!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Erpelding","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8930364_orig.jpg?crop=945,945,x0,y6&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673897404640","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8930364"},{"teacherId":8930364,"projectId":10140745,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, \"Uke Can Do It! Ukuleles for My Music Class.\" Your generosity has made a tremendous impact on our students and our music program. When the ukuleles arrived, students were immediately excited. Many had never played a string instrument before, and they were eager to learn how to hold, strum, and play their first chords. The energy in the room was contagious as students opened the cases and realized they would have the opportunity to make music on real instruments.\r\n\r\nSince receiving the ukuleles, students have been using them daily in our general music classes. We have been learning proper playing technique, chord transitions, rhythm patterns, and accompaniment skills. One of the most memorable moments was when an entire class successfully played and sang a song together for the first time. The sense of accomplishment on their faces was incredible. Students who are often quiet in class found confidence through music-making, while others discovered a talent and interest they never knew they had.\r\n\r\nThe ukuleles have allowed us to create a more hands-on and engaging music experience. Students are not only learning musical concepts, but also developing perseverance, listening skills, teamwork, and self-confidence. As we move forward, students will continue building their skills through more challenging songs, small group performances, and opportunities to create their own arrangements. These instruments will serve hundreds of students for years to come and will remain an important part of our growing music program. Thank you for investing in our students and helping provide opportunities that inspire creativity, learning, and a lifelong appreciation for music.","fullyFundedDate":1778278947567,"projectUrl":"project/uke-can-do-it-ukuleles-for-my-music-cla/10140745/","projectTitle":"Uke Can Do It! Ukuleles for My Music Class","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Erpelding","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8930364_orig.jpg?crop=945,945,x0,y6&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673897404640","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8930364"},{"teacherId":8930364,"projectId":10140616,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, \"Uke Can Do It! Ukuleles for My Music Class.\" Your generosity has made a tremendous impact on our students and our music program. When the ukuleles arrived, students were immediately excited. Many had never played a string instrument before, and they were eager to learn how to hold, strum, and play their first chords. The energy in the room was contagious as students opened the cases and realized they would have the opportunity to make music on real instruments.\r\n\r\nSince receiving the ukuleles, students have been using them daily in our general music classes. We have been learning proper playing technique, chord transitions, rhythm patterns, and accompaniment skills. One of the most memorable moments was when an entire class successfully played and sang a song together for the first time. The sense of accomplishment on their faces was incredible. Students who are often quiet in class found confidence through music-making, while others discovered a talent and interest they never knew they had.\r\n\r\nThe ukuleles have allowed us to create a more hands-on and engaging music experience. Students are not only learning musical concepts, but also developing perseverance, listening skills, teamwork, and self-confidence. As we move forward, students will continue building their skills through more challenging songs, small group performances, and opportunities to create their own arrangements. These instruments will serve hundreds of students for years to come and will remain an important part of our growing music program. Thank you for investing in our students and helping provide opportunities that inspire creativity, learning, and a lifelong appreciation for music.","fullyFundedDate":1778230958783,"projectUrl":"project/uke-can-do-it-ukuleles-for-my-music-cla/10140616/","projectTitle":"Uke Can Do It! Ukuleles for My Music Class","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Erpelding","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8930364_orig.jpg?crop=945,945,x0,y6&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673897404640","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8930364"},{"teacherId":8930364,"projectId":10178885,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students now have Yamaha guitars, transforming our classroom experience. Many had never played before, and their excitement was immediate and contagious. Students now use the guitars daily, learning chords, songs, and proper technique while building confidence, teamwork, and independence. One group even performed their first full song together, which was a huge milestone. We are now working toward performances and beginning songwriting. Your support has created a lasting connection to music—thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1775654650137,"projectUrl":"project/strum-small-dream-big/10178885/","projectTitle":"Strum Small, Dream Big!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Erpelding","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8930364_orig.jpg?crop=945,945,x0,y6&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673897404640","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8930364"},{"teacherId":8930364,"projectId":9770558,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my students now have access to something that completely transforms our music classroom: a piano they can learn on, explore, and create with. In a school where many of my students have limited access to instruments at home, this resource has opened a door that was previously closed.\r\n\r\nFrom the very first day the piano arrived, the excitement in the room was undeniable. Students gathered around it with curiosity, asking if they could try it, pressing a few keys just to hear the sound, and smiling when they realized they could actually make music themselves. For some students, it was their first time ever touching a piano.\r\n\r\nWe are already using the piano in multiple ways. During general music classes, students are learning basic keyboard skills such as finding notes, playing simple melodies, and understanding how chords work. It has also become a powerful teaching tool for composition. Students are experimenting with writing their own melodies for songwriting projects, testing ideas on the piano, and hearing instantly how their musical choices sound.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite moments happened during a songwriting lesson. A student who is normally very quiet stayed after class to try out a melody they had written. When they played it on the piano and realized it worked, their face lit up. That moment—when a student realizes they can create music—is exactly why this resource matters.\r\n\r\nThe piano is also helping students connect music concepts to real sound. Instead of only talking about scales, chords, and harmony, students can now see and hear how music is built. It turns abstract ideas into something they can physically play and understand.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, the piano will play an important role in our upcoming songwriting and composition units. Students will use it to create chord progressions, develop melodies, and collaborate with classmates. It will also support students who are interested in continuing music in band, choir, or other ensembles by strengthening their overall musicianship.\r\n\r\nYour support has helped turn moments of silence into moments of discovery, creativity, and confidence. Because of you, my students aren't just learning about music—they are making it.\r\n\r\nThank you for making this possible.","fullyFundedDate":1766765540061,"projectUrl":"project/from-silence-to-song-a-piano-for-every/9770558/","projectTitle":"From Silence to Song: A Piano for Every Student","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Erpelding","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8930364_orig.jpg?crop=945,945,x0,y6&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673897404640","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8930364"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_75964","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":522,"numTeachers":16,"percentFrplEligible":73,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":21,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":72,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":2,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"32.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_DISTANT"},"inStateSupporters":49.3,"schoolId":75964,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Round Lake - Brewster Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Round Lake - Brewster Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/minnesota/round-lake-brewster-school-district/brewster-school/75964"}