Xylobas: Musical Composition and Engineering in the Music Classroom

Funded Sep 27, 2019

I introduced my students to the Xylobas in the second full week of October, since I received them on October 4th. I had also received new instruments that I was sharing with the students purchased with district funds. After introducing the district funded instruments, I showed the students a video about the Xylobas. Once the video concluded, I surprised them and revealed that we had a fully funded Donors Choose project and our very own Xylobas. They were so excited! I wish that I would have thought to video their reactions. There were screams of joy and happiness!

They were so excited to get their hands on them. I demonstrated how to put the Piccolino (small Xyloba) together using the picture directions, and let the students give it a try. It took me almost a week to figure out how to build it successfully. It made me realize that it was going to take the students even longer to be successful at building on their own. For the younger students (K-2), I have them choose which structure they want me to build and tell me if I am doing something wrong. Once it is built, every student gets a chance to drop a marble or two to see how it works. The older students work in small groups for 10 minutes at a time to see if they can complete a structure. It is definitely a work in progress. It has also been a great way to work on teamwork in my class as well.

Our school has a STEM lab that students visit once a week. With the Xylobas, they get another opportunity during music class to build a structure and create music at the same time. I love finding new ways to "do music" with my students, and with your donations, STEM has turned into STEAM in the music room. My students and I are forever grateful.”

With gratitude,

Mrs. Julian