My students need an iPad mini that will help record programs. My students need Ukuleles to enable them to use instruments. My students need the 6 music stands.
Students in my classroom have not had the opportunity to play "real" instruments. Each day I have Kindergarten through Fifth grade students in and out of my room. I offer before and after school music lessons and enrichment activities at no cost to them. Ever student needs to experience music.
There are 220 students at our school.
That number fluctuates due to our transit and homeless population. We are a Title I school who is in a very poverty stricken area with 98% of students free or reduced lunch. Our students live in unspeakable conditions at times but still manage to come to school. Students at our school are not privileged to extra music lessons or instruments at home. A music classroom is a very new thing for most. I have students kindergarten through fifth grade on a daily basis along with special ed. The building is worn down and based in the community where our students live. I have 45 minutes per class period where I am singing, dancing, and showing some instrumentation. Over the past few years I have prided myself on building a music program that students enjoy and look forward too. Students love the before and after school music groups and lessons. This gives them a real connect to the school.
My Project
My students will be overwhelmed with excitement to hold real instruments in their hands. I have taught 15 years at our school and have not gotten many new instruments. The Ukuleles will be used 3rd through 5th grade for sure in the beginning and eventually will be used with the lower grades too. They will also be used in after school groups and lessons. They will learn to play songs that will enhance their ability to read and play the music as well as help them with their reading skills. The music stands will be used to all year long to hold up music instead of laying it on the floor and trying to play. I currently have 2 stands for a average class size of 20 students and that doesn't give me one to use. The iPad would be used to video different music programs and as technology in my classroom. I currently have one computer and that I can use with students. There are so many music apps that could be used on days when students have music centers.
There are 220 students who will be affected with the new items.
Holding an instrument in their hand will teach them responsibility and empower them to feel good about themselves. Students will learn to take care of the Ukuleles which for many of them will be the first thing they learn to take care of. Being able to put their music on a stand will show the importance of what they do and play. They deserve to experience what other students experience in music.
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