Mrs. Clyde's Classroom Edit display name

Past projects 15

• Tubano Travels

  Funded Oct 9, 2019

  My students were so excited the day I opened up the tubanos you so generously donated. The bright colors and warm tones of the instruments are an immediate draw to students of all ages, and we have used them for a variety of exciting adventures. Even parents enjoy experimenting on them during parent-teacher conferences and after performances.

  I like to work on rhythms with my students and juxtapose polyrhythms with beat. These kinds of exercises help strengthen a child's ability to feel the music internally and translate into increased success with movement and instrumental performance not to mention providing building blocks for academic success. It is so exciting when they are able to create and perform unique compositions with body percussion, drums, and rhythm instruments. Also, understanding why drums have been used by cultures for thousands of years to communicate and pass on stories or traditions is paramount in appreciating indigenous communities around the world.

  We have been using the drums often as an accompaniment for dance and body percussion. We also use them for call and response activities where students communicate with each other through rhythm and chant. My boys can't get enough and love creating.

  The tubanos easily provide a constant beat for song games which I use regularly in my kindergarten through sixth grade classes. Third grade, in particular, acts out a story about tigers attacking an African village and swallowing up the inhabitants. We use drums, ribbons, and sticks along with chants and songs to complete the performance. This activity perfectly mirrors the kinds of stories indigenous people from Africa might perform to pass on important information about their culture and history!

  Finally, I have also used the tubanos to help students learn to identify or perform loud and soft tones as well as play slowly or fast. The possibilities for use of these drums are endless.

  Recently, I was privileged to attend a class on African tradition and drumming. I am currently planning an entire unit for my older students based on the songs and games I learned as a result of that training, and the tubanos will play a huge roll in the success of that unit. What a gift for my students to experience the excitement of making cultural connections across the globe from a classroom in Utah!

  I really cannot thank you enough for purchasing these instruments for our music program. Parents and students alike are making cultural and music connections as we perform and explore the versatility of tubanos!”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Clyde

  This classroom project was brought to life by Chevron Fuel Your School.

• Xenoblastic, Xylotastic Music

  Funded Oct 14, 2019

  My students' faces lit up like a Christmas Tree when they first saw the "Boomwhacker" Xylophones you so generously provided. They could hardly keep their hands off them! We have used them for numerous activities, but by far the favorite has been learning notes and playing simple tunes with my 3rd graders.

  During one activity, I taped a musical staff on the floor and had individual students "jump" from lines to spaces while their classmates played the melody they were composing with their feet. We have also played a game I developed called "rest" which required students to play and match notes on the xylophones while classmates jumped from one note to the other on the staff until they jumped off, at which time, everyone had to freeze or "rest". Anyone caught not resting was out. Points were given to teams with the most players still in the game when it ended. It was a hoot!

  After learning the notes, my 3rd graders began playing simple melodies to accompaniments I created on the piano. We have played such classics as "Hot Cross Buns", and a classical version of "Au Claire de la Lune". They are also learning how to control their instruments and their bodies as well as follow a conductor and study rhythms. We are performing for parents next month!

  My older students have been using the "Boomwhackers" as chord accompaniments for songs. We are currently preparing for a unit which will allow them to learn the melody to "Star Wars" and accompany it with chords and unique rhythms on the "Boomwhackers". Students will work in groups and perform as such for the class. The group work will require team members to cooperate together and assume various responsibilities for the performance including conducting, assessing, teaching, and leading. It's a marvelous opportunity made possible because of your wonderful donation.

  I can't thank you enough for providing these instruments for us. They are a gift whose price cannot be measured, and I am forever grateful!”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Clyde

• Show Them the World With Four Strings!

  Funded Feb 14, 2019

  I can't thank you enough for funding ukuleles in my classroom! They have had a huge impact on my ability to provide integrated lessons for students. Obviously, we have learned to play the ukuleles, but we have also used them to study world cultures, compose and perform student work, learn about coding to help notate group compositions, accompany dance performances, and even used them to study sound waves. I had no idea the places we could go until I found myself in the fortunate possession of a class set which, with help from your generous donation, allows each student the opportunity to work with an instrument each time they come to class. Most of my students were surprised to find how easily they could learn to play the ukulele with just a little focus and practice, and they felt a strong sense of accomplishment as a result.

  One particular project which had an impact on my students was composing and performing their own original musical arrangements. Classes were divided into teams of approximately 6-7 students each and asked to determine how they would use their ukuleles to accompany themselves, add rhythm instruments to enhance their performance, and decide how they would use vocal performers and conductors to pull things altogether. After that, they made posters which included original forms of notation developed by my students so they could remember and perform their arrangements. They practiced their arrangements for a couple more class periods and then performed them while I recorded. Finally, I played the video footage of their performances for them so that they could evaluate their work, acknowledge what they liked about it, and determine things they could improve. Every student was engaged and involved in this process and I was amazed at how easily the project integrated with so many academic subjects.

  We have also used our ukuleles many times to accompany dances and songs. One such dance was a "tinikling" dance which is a traditional Philippine folk dance. The dance involves two people beating, tapping, and sliding bamboo poles (we used sticks) on the ground and against each other in coordination with dancers who step over and in between the poles. Some students danced while some tapped sticks and others played an accompaniment on the ukulele. Previously, I taught my students a folk song that they played and sang while the dancers performed. There were so many unique cultural layers to this experience that, amazingly, the students had a difficult time separating learning from fun; always the sign of a great musical experience. I had one student remark after class that, "This was the best day ever!" Teaching doesn't get any better than that.

  I also have students with disabilities who are learning a great deal from their connection with ukuleles. One such student was born without parts of her fingers. She really wants to learn how to play the ukulele so she has consistently checked one out to take home for practice. We have had to find unique and creative ways to accomplish that, but she has excelled measurably over the past few months, and I am very proud of her.

  I could recite story after story about the growth I have seen in my students as a result of their work with the ukuleles you so generously provided. My mind is already abuzz with a myriad of ideas for next year. Again, I cannot thank you enough for the support you have provided my music program. My students and I will be forever grateful.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Clyde

• Treble in the Classroom? Get Ukes!

  Funded Feb 11, 2019

  Thank you so much for funding ukuleles in my classroom! They have had a staggering impact on my ability to provide integrated lessons for my students. Obviously, we have learned to play the ukuleles, but we have also used them to study world cultures, compose and perform student work, learn about coding to help notate group compositions, accompany dance performances, and even used them to study sound waves. I had no idea this instrument could be so versatile until I found myself in the fortunate possession of a class set which, with help from your generous donation, allows each student the opportunity to work with an instrument each time they come to class. Most of my students were surprised to find how easily they could learn to play the ukulele with just a little focus and practice. It was wonderful to watch them feel a strong sense of accomplishment when they were able to sing with and play the ukulele well.

  One particular project which had a great impact on my students was composing and performing their own original musical arrangements. Classes were divided into teams of approximately 6-7 students each and asked to determine how they would use their ukuleles to accompany themselves, add rhythm instruments to enhance their performance, and decide how they would use vocal performers and conductors to pull things altogether. After that, they made posters which included original forms of notation developed by my students so they could remember and perform their arrangements. They practiced their arrangements for a couple more class periods and then performed them while I recorded. Finally, I played the video footage of their performances for them so that they could evaluate their work, acknowledge what they liked about it, and determine things that might have improved it. Every student was engaged and involved in this process and I was amazed at how easily the project integrated with so many academic subjects.

  We have also used our ukuleles many times to accompany dances and songs. One such dance was a "tinikling" dance which is a traditional Philippine folk dance. The dance involves two people beating, tapping, and sliding bamboo poles (we used sticks) on the ground and against each other in coordination with dancers who step over and in between the poles. Some students danced while some tapped sticks and others played the accompaniment on the ukulele. Previously, I taught my students a folk song which they were able to play and sing while the dancers performed. There were so many layers to this experience that, amazingly, the students had a difficult time separating learning from fun; always the sign of a great musical experience. I had one student remark after class that, "This was the best day ever!" Teaching doesn't get any better than that.

  I also have students with disabilities who are learning a great deal from their connection with ukuleles. One such student was born without parts of her fingers. She really wants to learn how to play the ukulele so she has consistently taken one home in order to master her finger positions in unique and creative ways. She has excelled measurably over the past few months, and I am very proud of her.

  I could recite story after story about the growth I have seen in my students as a result of their work with the ukuleles you so generously provided. My mind is already abuzz with a myriad of ideas for next year. Again, I cannot thank you enough for the support you have provided my music program. My students and I will be forever grateful.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Clyde

• "Ukie" Kookie Music Makes the World Go 'Round!

  Funded Nov 6, 2018

  What an amazing year it has been so far largely due to your generous support of our program! We started out the year with a total of zero instruments and now we have a beautiful class set of ukuleles that have had an incredible impact at my school. You should have seen my students' faces when they found out we would be learning the ukulele. Now, we use them daily as we explore the world through music, composition, and dance.

  It has been inspiring to watch my students use the ukulele to play music from countries with vastly different cultures such as England and Africa. They are learning so much about diversity and the cultures many of their families came from. My kids aren't just learning to play the ukulele, They are also spending considerable time creating arrangements of beautiful folk songs from across the globe. One student, whose family came from the Philippines, was so excited about the music and dances we were learning from that country that he told his teacher it was "the best day ever."

  Interestingly enough, one of our most meaningful activities actually happened quite unexpectedly. One morning I was approached by my principle and a representative from a local sports team. They asked if I could put together a ukulele performance for an assembly. The only problem was, the assembly was impromptu and I was told it would begin in 30 minutes. Fortunately, my students and I had been working steadily on our instruments and I knew just the class to ask for help. Within 20 minutes of collecting the students, we practiced, threw in some impromptu student conducting, and performed. The beautiful thing was that we didn't just perform, we performed in spectacular fashion! I actually stood in the back row playing quietly with the kids to keep them on beat, but all of the conducting, singing, and strumming was performed with precision by my students. Wow! I was so excited! After our performance, the owner of the sports team took me aside and said that because of our lovely performance and our considerable need for instruments and supplies, he wanted to offer us some additional funds to help. I could hardly believe it; all because of a generous donation of ukuleles and hard work from my students.

  Thank you so much for your help. We continue to play the ukuleles daily and have even begun using them to accompany our folk dancing. These instruments provide my classroom with endless opportunities to explore, connect, create, and grow. Informances at the end of the year will be exciting!”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Clyde

• Rock Star Rhythms for Language Arts Learners

  Funded Nov 7, 2018

  My students and I have used the materials you funded to ramp up all aspects of rhythm and beat in our classroom. We pull them out nearly everyday. In fact, my students love these rhythm instruments so much that the mere mention of their use causes them to instantly focus on following directions so that they can earn the privilege of using them. I had no idea the instruments would improve behavior in my classroom as much as they have. I chose to incorporate the drum sticks and tambourines into a "rhythm kit" which is housed in a number 10 can topped with craft foam which allows it to double as a drum. I also added a small, dollar store cutting board to act as a drum pad and "voila", magic in a can! It was like Christmas morning watching my students "unpack" their number 10 cans full of rhythmic goodies. They were so excited.

  One particular project we have focused on with these instruments is dividing words into syllables and then matching those syllables with rhythms. My students speak a word and count the number of syllables on raised fingers. Then, they play those syllables on the instruments to see if they are correct. Finally, they pull rhythm cards from a pile and place them under the word and play the syllables again to see whether or not the two match. I am creating a large bank of words that support grade level curriculums, holidays, and numerous songs we are learning for current and future use. You will see some of them in the pictures I uploaded. My students especially enjoyed our rhythm unit on insects. There was a lot of science thrown into that particular one.

  The results from our focus on syllables and rhythms have been wonderful. It is rare that I find a student incapable of segmenting words properly and being able to identify the resulting "chunks". Of course we also use these rhythm instruments to note the differences between beat and rhythm in music. We add them to songs we are learning so that we can have instant accompaniment and musical enhancement. Through exploration, we have also found that drum sticks can tap out a beat or rhythm on nearly anything and the results are unique and creative.

  Currently, we are taking poetry and finding the rhythms inherent in them. My hope is that, by the end of the year, my students will be able to write class poems and accompany them by notating the rhythms found in the poems. We will divide the class into two parts and have one group play the beat while the other simultaneously plays and recites the rhythm of the poem. It will be a wonderful performance!

  Thank you again for your generous gift.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Clyde