Past projects 2
JES Music Makers
Funded Dec 19, 2013Thank you very much for your support of our music program. When the new percussion instruments arrived, the students were absolutely excited and could not wait to get a chance to even just touch them. The instruments have been used daily and are an amazing addition to the classroom.
The conga drum has been the most popular instrument so far. Right away, we used it in our African drum circles. A few days after using the drum, a 5th grade girl brought in a recording of Jamaican music for me to listen to and declared that she was sure there was a conga drum being used. I confirmed this and since then we have also worked on some arrangements of Jamaican music. In our Kindergarten class, they were being introduced to jazz music and the video they were watching featured a percussion section with this type of drum. The Kinderg�rtners immediately pointed this out, and we ended up viewing the video several times while the students took turns trying to play just like the "jazz man."
The gathering drum is almost as popular, with students having a great time working together on the same drum. They enjoy the sound and the ability to work together as a group on the same instrument. I am also able to sit with groups and demonstrate rhythms with several students working with me.
The new rhythm sticks and variety pack of hand percussion was also welcomed by the students. We were finally able to discard our old instruments that were splintering and breaking into pieces. The students have recognized how special it is to have these replacements and are taking on the responsibility of caring for them.
I explained to each group of students that use the instruments how those who donated are caring people who truly want to give them the best education opportunities possible. Even though these are elementary students, they do understand how special this is and many of them commented on how awesome it is that other people think enough of them to provide the funds for the new instruments. My (and my students) music classroom has been greatly enhanced by the addition of these instruments and I can't thank each of you enough for what you have done for us.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Douglas
Wanted: Violins!
Funded May 22, 2012Thank you again for all your donations to this projects. We were severely short in violins and the school was unable to continue funding the purchases of more violins. We had many students sharing violins, and that was taking away from the instruction time (taking time to switch violins and teach the exact same thing to the other student).
When the violins arrived, I couldn't keep the students away from them! They were happy, and when the first class came, I was even happier than them because for the first time, nobody had to share. We are getting so much more done already, and I can't thank all of you enough for this wonderful donation.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Douglas