Past projects 2
Film for Woodstation Elementary School Photography Club
Funded Oct 29, 2019I can't find the words to express my gratitude I owe each and every one of you. Your generosity went beyond my imaginations, and now my students will be leaning the skills of analog photography, shooting film, learning how to process and scan it, creating their own works of art, and finding a means of expression that will remain with them into adulthood. I thank you, and my students thank you as well.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Lane
Project Nashville: The Woodstation Singers and American Music
Funded Dec 2, 2014I want to thank you again for donating to our Project Nashville field trip. The field trip was successful beyond my wildest dreams. My goal was to connect my students to the creation process of music in the studio and on stage and to light a spark of interest in music that will never burn out. At every step of our way, things came together in ways that I could not have imagined, and Project Nashville became what may be the most successful field trip ever in terms of learning, engagement, excitement, and fun.
Our experience at Third Man Records was incredible. Ben Blackwell, the man who runs Third Man, greeted my students with enthusiasm and was great with them. They all feel as if they know him now. And after two minutes into our stay, Jack White himself entered the studio and remained with us for the entire two hours. He even participated in the recording session by making suggestions about soloists and mic placements. After we competed our takes, he stayed for photos with anyone who wanted one and signed anything the students had for autographs. They will NEVER forget that experience. Furthermore, in a few weeks when their records they made arrive (yes, we recorded two songs to be pressed onto a vinyl 45), they will be able to hold in their hands tangible evidence of what they learned and accomplished on this trip (as well as the start of their record collection.)
Our Grand Ole Opry experience was everything I could have hoped for. The lineup that night was perfect. All the traditional genres of country music were represented by either quality up-and-comers or by legendary stars like Ricky Scaggs, Larry Gatlin, and the Del McCoury Band. My students were totally into the performance for the entire two hours. And because it was a live radio broadcast, they felt like they were a part of the show.
The next morning we visited RCA's Studio B, where many great and historically significant records were made by the likes of Jim Reeves, Roy Orbison, Dolly Parton, and of course, Elvis Presley. My students were completely taken by the stories Brenda, our tour guide, told them about Elvis, especially about how he cut "Are You Lonesome Tonight?" one evening after requesting that all the lights be turned off. As we listened to the recording (with lights off, of course,) we almost could Elvis' presence. Then, when Brenda asked if we had any questions, I asked if we could do something for her. She nodded, and I got all my Woodstation Singers to stand and sing one of the two songs we recorded the day before, "Georgia On My Mind." They sang beautifully, and there were tears in all the adults' eyes, especially Brenda's. Now I hear my students tell others about how they sang in the same studio where Elvis recorded many of his greatest hit records.
Our trip to the Country Music Hall of Fame was great for my students, as the people there have a great idea for when children visit. They put them on a scavenger hunt, looking for famous instruments, costumes, or other exhibits in the museum. Those who complete the scavenger hunt receive a Taylor Swift gift. It kept my students engaged, and I think they learned quite a bit about country music's history there.
We finished our trip to the Adventure Science Center. While not music-related, it was perfect for my students. They could explore the Center freely and participate in the many hands-on exhibits while their parents could rest.
It has been two weeks since our trip, and my students still can't stop talking about it. I feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment knowing that this trip may have changed some lives within the group. I know it has changed mine. We have you to thank for this. You helped make it happen.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Lane
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose.org Team and 12 other donors.