Past projects 21
Percussion Revamp
Funded Nov 28, 2023Thank you for your contributions to my school's concert band program. For years, we have struggled to salvage destroyed instruments and purchase instruments we needed for our concert. Because of your love and generosity, we now have what we need to complete our program's purpose: creating a band program with full instrumentation, including an entire percussion section. When our students saw they had more instruments, they were ecstatic, especially the percussion players, because I was forever creating instruments that made similar sounds to our current ones. Having instruments, they can see, and touch makes a difference compared to looking at the instrument on the sheet music and not having anything to play. Once again, I appreciate your contribution.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Bolden
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and one other donor.Clean and Safe
Funded Mar 14, 2024Thank you once again for your contribution to our school. We now have trash cans and other essentials that will help keep our school clean and safe. The custodial staff has never been happier with the amount of supplies they received to make their lives easier. Students have trash cans on the playground, so they will not have to worry about playing on a playground filled with trash. We also received "NO DOGS ALLOWED" signs, which have played a major part in keeping people with pets off the school grounds. For years, people walked on our campus, went to our football fields, and allowed their dogs to run freely. During that time, the dogs would defecate on the football field, and our students would play on the field.
The future goals for our school are to get more signage to post around the school to promote safety and obtain cones for crossing purposes.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Bolden
New Music
Funded Nov 28, 2023I want to take this opportunity to thank you once again for donating new music to the band program. Your contribution has helped increase the music library for students of all levels and afforded opportunities for those who want to be a part of the program for years to come. After receiving the sheet music, many students were excited about not playing the same pieces. I seemed leery of introducing one piece of music, but I took a chance on it, and they mastered the music within a week. My students mastering this music allowed me to add it to the line-up for our end-of-the-year music concert.
The next step in the project is building a program with consistent retention throughout each year. Because we are now an educationally reformed school, we have a different schedule involving classes moving by cohort and not their selective choices. Thus, I am teaching all students in each grade, and I am looking to involve all students.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Bolden
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and one other donor.Tropical Holiday
Funded Dec 10, 2023It's with great joy that I must thank you for all you have done for our school. Though we got our items later, due to delays, the fact you all made our kids smile either way was a blessing delayed but not denied. As a treat for their hard work, every elementary student got to enjoy hot chocolate while watching "The Grinch." What made it more special was that because it was a writing assignment attached to it, they could write a letter to you all showing their gratitude.
The next steps for the project is getting snacks for students as a way to motivate them to finish their state assessments. Many of our students fall asleep during the test. Therefore, as an ambassador, I want to help school teachers with keeping kids focused during the state assessment.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Bolden
Clean House
Funded Aug 15, 2023To begin with, your donations has made an amazing impact on the band room and the responsibilities of our scholars. Our students have been paying more attention to what is around them, and have learned to clean up after themselves using the cleaning equipment you've donated. One thing they are really excited about is, surprisingly, the bright red trash cans. It never stays full because they are so huge.
When my students saw everything in the boxes, they were more excited about the boxes than the donations in them. Of course, when I let them know what was inside, they frowned because it was cleaning tools. But as they saw the design of the tools, like the push broom, they were wanting the responsibility. As stated before, and always, I am grateful for the support for GLECPVA music.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Bolden
This classroom project was brought to life by The SONIC Foundation and one other donor.Can You Hear Me?!
Funded Aug 3, 2023I would first like to thank you for your love and kindness towards the GLECPVA band program. Your donations have played a pivotal role in the change and upgrading of not just the band program but the fine arts team. I never would have thought something as simple as a speaker and microphone would make a big difference. Allow me to further explain.
With the speaker and microphone, I have not only been able to give clear direction where everyone can hear me, but it has helped with certain events like meetings and socials that we have had to use. Once again, thank you for everything”
With gratitude,
Mr. Bolden
This classroom project was brought to life by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and 2 other donors.Safety Help
Funded Sep 20, 2023This project, that got paid for by your donations, was one for the record books. Words cannot explain the gratitude I as well as my teammates have by your donations. This safety equipment has helped us in more ways than one. First, because we no longer have a school officer, I have had to be the traffic controller on the Main Street. With the use of the 5 foot cones and the safety vests, traffic has been more controlled, and there have been lower risks in car accidents. Secondly, teachers who participate in the car riders lane are better noticed by parents.
The next steps in the safety project is to get safety equipment, school wide, so that we can have a culture of consistency with safety, and parents can feel safe as well as adhere to the expectations of the school. Much gratitude for your donation”
With gratitude,
Mr. Bolden
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and one other donor.Band Supplies
Funded Jul 24, 2023With the band supplies that were donated, my students have been able to have supplies without having to be bogged down with the hassle of spending money on reeds and other supplies. After receiving these supplies, my students were excited by the fact that someone they do not know could donate things that would help them grow into better musicians.
The next steps to this project is preparing for the Christmas, Black History, and Spring showcase. The music that was donated helped add to the, already decrepit library we have. Though we have some decent music. It is good to have music that is up-to-date, and that my students enjoy playing. I appreciate everything you have done in donating to help my students. We still have a ways to go, but my goal is to build a program of elementary and middle school student's.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Bolden
This classroom project was brought to life by Kleenex and 2 other donors.Music Repair
Funded Mar 23, 2022As we prepare for our spring concert, I must show my appreciation to the donors of the drum carrier. Your donations have helped to give confidence to our students who have been playing on a bass drum that used to be held up by two chairs. I felt embarrassed for my students because our school could not afford to purchase a carrier of this cost. It is because of you that they now do not have to carry or drag the instruments, they can easily roll it wherever they need to take it.
To conclude, the students and myself are ecstatic for your contribution, and it will not go to waste. Thank you once again.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Bolden
This classroom project was brought to life by Male Teachers of Color Initiative.Musician Overload
Funded Dec 31, 2021This project you all funded had me worried, to be honest. Students were playing on mouthpieces that were used and that I had to clean. Thankfully, they have mouthpieces they can play on and students have more than enough reeds to use when they need them.
The last performance ended with you guys delivering this amazing Christmas present. Now, students are preparing for their spring concert, which will involve both groups playing 6 songs a piece. With this material, they will be set until both the end of the year and possibly the new year. Thanks again for your support.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Bolden