Past projects 3
Rug Needed for Our Music Room
Funded Apr 5, 2023When I saw that you had given to this project to acquire a new carpet for the music room, I was overjoyed.
You can only imagine the students' joy and excitement when they first saw the carpet. It was so cozy and such a deep blue. All classes were given time to luxuriate on it. Students were especially excited because during COVID times carpets were prohibited and students sat on the hard, cold floor. Being on a brand-new carpet made my students feel deeply cared for and more ready to sing, dance, and play musical games.
The carpet also serves another important purpose: it absorbs sound. Now, during the soprano recorder unit, the entire class can play together without students covering their ears or asking for ear plugs to protect their sensitive young ears.
Thank you so much for the carpet. The students are so appreciative of your donation.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Laster
Method Books for Our Band Program
Funded Feb 28, 2023When I saw that people had given to this project, and that it was fully funded in only a few days, I was overcome with happiness for my students.
When the books arrived, the students were extremely excited and couldn't wait to start using them. They explored them and found they contained many songs they wanted to learn, along with lots of practical information about music theory and how to care for their instruments.
The method books have added so much to the students' experience of learning to play an instrument for the first time. Here are just a few of the ways:
-- My trumpet players, all of whom are from Mexico or Ecuador, discovered La Bamba in the trumpet method book. This led to joyous performances, discussions about the song's history and its role in fighting racism.
-- The saxophonists discovered the Gullah song, Kum Bah Yah, and were delighted to perform the three-part arrangement for families and fellow students.
-- My one Canadian student, a flautist, was so excited that the book included O Canada, the Canadian national anthem. She performed it for the band.
-- The book also includes "The Hard Rock Blues." No music teacher can explain why, but ALL 4th and 5th graders love this song. They never tire of rehearsing and perfecting it. That kind of student engagement is uncommon and highly prized.
The method books enable me to provide my beginning instrumentalists with simple and clear weekly assignments. The books will last for years. Thank you for your kind and generous donations! We are so appreciative!”
With gratitude,
Mr. Laster
Rug Needed for PS 295's New Music Room
Funded Sep 30, 2018Students are so excited about the new carpet in the music room. The PK, K and 1st graders are especially happy because each student now has a colorful square just for them. I have heard them say so many times "it is so cozy and awesome." The carpet has added color, comfort and organization to the music room.
The carpet also aids with transitions from one activity to another, especially transitioning from movement activities to story time and other seated activities. Also, when singing rounds or playing percussion instruments, it is now so easy to divide the class into smaller groups.
All of the 426 students at PS 295 have benefited from this beautiful new carpet. My next project is to install an air conditioner in the music room. In some years, spring only lasts about a week in Brooklyn and then summer arrives and the temperature in the music room is often higher than 90 degrees. I'm looking forward for your continued support in helping with the donation of an air conditioner.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Laster