Past projects 5
Middle School Band Tuning Stations
Funded Sep 11, 2023I wanted to reach out to thank you for your support in teaching better intonation to my band students. It has made such a difference to both the sound we make as a band, and the thought my students put into the sounds they make individually. Every day we're getting better because of your generous donation.
I spent a few days teaching students to use the tuners well. I helped them set up and interpret the results so that they would be independent. Now every day several students grab tuners to use through class. They set the tuner on their music stand and monitor their intonation throughout warm-ups and the rest of the rehearsal. Their attention to intonation was been transformed! They pay attention to it even when it is not their turn to have a tuner. They listen to each other and help each other out. The change is fantastic!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Talyn Wong
This classroom project was brought to life by Panda Cares.Sight Reading Curriculum
Funded Apr 7, 2022I'm 6 weeks into using the sight reading curriculum you helped to buy for my students. We are all loving it! There are several games that we play that help students match pitch, learn intervals, and improve intonation. If ever something affects our schedule, this is the part of our day my students won't allow me to skip. They're highly engaged in trying to beat me at the game, and they hardly notice all the progress they're making in their technique and singing skill.
4 weeks into the school year, I gave students a starting pitch and they sight sang 4 measures of a song. I was amazed! I never imagined they could learn such a complicated skill so quickly. The curriculum is so well organized, and so well designed to draw in this age group that the progress is quick.
I'm so grateful to you for providing me the means to get this curriculum. It has simplified my planning and secured buy in from my students. I use it every day, and every day I think of you.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Talyn Wong
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose community & an Anonymous Partner and 6 other donors.Outdoor Concert Equipment
Funded Nov 17, 2021We had so much fun at our outdoor concert! We performed in our warm, sparkly costumes with two guest artists: a science teacher and a professional drummer. It was wonderful to feature students at this community event, and the students had a great time participating, and spending the evening together.
The microphone adapter has been used every day since it arrived. I'm now able to walk among the students during our outdoor classes so that I can help individuals without tripping everyone with wires. This piece of technology, while first used at the concert, is transforming the way I am able to run classes in order to reach the students who need a little extra help.
Thank you so much for supporting music education at Cal Middle!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Talyn Wong
Allow This Music Teacher to Move About the Room!
Funded Jul 24, 2021You should have seen the looks on my students' faces when I pulled out a guitar to accompany thier singing. You're helping me win them over and build up the choral program at my school. Because of current health guidelines, we're singing outside in masks. Having a guitar strap and stand have greatly simplified this process. I can't tell you how grateful I am that I don't have to roll my piano outside everyday!
The bluetooth reciever is being used every period of every day. It's wonderful to be able to start a recording for students to analyze and then be free of cords so I can walk around and participate in their conversations. They've spent the last few weeks analyzing tempo. Today we started on dynamics.
Thank you for providing the equipment I need to be free to build better relationships with my students and help them develop musical skills.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Talyn Wong
Musical Instrument Maintenance for Middle School
Funded Aug 12, 2021I recently used the supplies you donated to teach my advanced band students how to bathe brass instruments. We put on some music and started taking instruments apart, soaking them, scrubbing them, oiling them and reassembling them. Students worked together to learn the ins and outs of this process.
Spending the day learning to care for equipment was so valuable for us! Now each student knows how thier instrument comes apart and goes back together. They have gained a respect for the equipemnt that I couldn't have cultivated with lectures. As they continue to care for these instruments they will be preserved for the future.
We've taken the newly improved instruments, and the newfound respect for equipment to our outdoor rehearsal space to start making music. I can't tell you how much the students and I are enjoying playing together in person this year! I'm so grateful for your help in creating a strong foundation or respect on which to build.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Talyn Wong
This classroom project was brought to life by Bill Gates and one other donor.