Elementary music class should be an environment where every student has the chance to be creative and enjoy music making. Aging instruments are making it more difficult for students to experience different types of music and cultures through performance.
This is a small public elementary school, set in a rural community in PA.
This is a Title I school, with many students receiving free and reduced lunch. Although this school is small, the community is very supportive of the school--especially the music program. Almost all students choose to join chorus in 4th and 5th grade, and the majority of them also participate in the band program. Students K-5 receive general music education instruction twice a week.
My Project
Many of these students do not have opportunities to go and see live concerts and may not have the chance to experience music from other cultures. My curriculum focuses on not only listening to this music and discussing it, but giving them the opportunity to experience it first hand through performance. Not only do these students perform in the classroom, but classes frequently do performances for other grade levels. The students will use the various percussion instruments for drum circles, percussion ensembles, composition projects, ensemble arrangements, etc. Percussion instruments are vital in multicultural music. Having newer instruments will help create authentic sounds, thereby giving them the fullest experience possible.
The impact of learning about other cultures and experiencing it with hands on activities will not only enhance their education, but hopefully change how they interact with others throughout their life that may be different from them.
More than a third 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
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