Mr. Garza's Classroom Edit display name

Past projects 3

• Help Us Share Our Voice!

  Funded Aug 31, 2017

  As an experienced music and band teacher, I have utilized technology in many ways during my career. The sound system you have helped provide our campus has been integral in the preparation of school programs, daily functions, and special events. The sound system helps students hear intricate parts of music by bring out all of the different voices of instruments they hear in the classroom. With it, I can isolate voices in music so that children can hear parts they are supposed to sing, play, or identify during lessons.

  I think my students were most excited about having a real amplification system to use for their classroom and performance events. It allows them to hear themselves while rehearsing for programs and really get a feel for being on stage both as soloists and as part of a large group.

  The most striking example was using the system for our Black History Month program. Students were able to perform on our stage and actually hear themselves projecting to a rather big audience without much difficulty. It empowered them to be more confident and show off much more of their personalities as they sang, spoke, or rapped about figures influential in their lives.

  Thank you for allowing us this opportunity to grow as performers through the use of a wonderful sound system! It will continue to facilitate the preparation of programs and performances for years to come just as it has started to do this school year. We cannot thank you enough!”

  With gratitude,

  Mr. Garza

  This classroom project was brought to life by Sergey Brin Family Foundation and 7 other donors.

• Help Us Make Music!

  Funded Sep 12, 2017

  Thank you very much for your kind donations to our music classroom! The instruments and music provided have already begun to impact the education of my students! One of the biggest impacts has come from the ability to hand every student a recorder. We have implemented a variety of techniques to learn beginning notes while reinforcing rhythmic reading, cooperative learning, and even student-led teaching opportunities! My students incorporate a "buddy system" where they learn alongside a partner. Together they train to learn new notes, rhythm patterns, and music reading skills. When one struggles, the other is able to assist, and questions are easier to hear and answer as a teacher.

  The students were all very excited about getting recorders! Every child in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade could not wait to get their hands on one! They have been practicing taking care of their instruments learning valuable lessons in responsibility and accountability. I asked for three colors in the project so each grade could have their own. What I've found is that the children did not care what color their recorder was, just that they were able to have one for our music class time!

  The next step in the process is to incorporate our recorder playing into more student performances. I am planning to start a small Orff group of some more advanced players to learn special songs to add into our yearly programs. I would like to incorporate the instruments into our use of the musicals next year, where we can make the performances even more about the kids and less about recorded tracks.

  Thank you again for your ability to provide my students avenues to facilitate their musical education in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. I cannot begin to tell you how much it means to them that we are able to have these wonderful things as part of classroom.”

  With gratitude,

  Mr. Garza

• Music on the Move

  Funded Sep 18, 2017

  Thank you all so much for your donations and contributions to our school! The music instruments and boomwhackers have been a joy to have as part of the musical education of my students! I wanted to share with you a great lesson my students at younger levels have learned through playing these instruments.

  Part of growth and development, included in music education, is the building of social skills within children. By having these instruments available to us, my youngest students have had the opportunity to learn about taking turns, practicing patience for others, and playing together in a cooperative way. Students learn the value of tests in music, as well as the joy of improvisation when they are given a turn. By listening to others create, they practice good audience skills and respect for other performers by staying quiet and applauding efforts of their peers. Thank you for helping me provide the children this amazing learning opportunity!

  The next step for my young ones is to create more performance opportunities in which thy can showcase the various musical and social skills they are learning in my classroom. By having excellent hands-on resources such as these instruments you have helped provide, we can create more chances for the children to practice their skills in front of others, allowing them to be teachers themselves and ambassadors of not only good musical practices but also good social standards.”

  With gratitude,

  Mr. Garza

  This classroom project was brought to life by Johnson Ohana Foundation and one other donor.