Past projects 4
Marvelous Music Students Need Marvelous Books!
Funded Oct 24, 2016Thank you so much for the new music books. Before they arrived, I handed out the well-used music books that we have had for several years. Many students were disappointed to find out that the books that were supposed to contain practice CD's didn't have one at all or had one that was damaged.
When I handed out the new music books, the students were so excited! Especially the band students who immediately looked for the practice CD. My string players can either mail in the enclosed postcard requesting a free CD or they can download it from the publisher. Practicing at home is more interesting for my students when they have a band or orchestra playing along with them.
These music books are standards-based and easy for my students to understand. New ideas are color-coded and set apart and there is a good mix of exercises and songs. Plus, having the accompaniment CD allows me to walk around the room and assist my students while they are playing along with the music. These books will help my students learn to read music, become better musicians, and will be used at the end of the year for their Spring concerts.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Lawrence
Portable Projector for the Portable Music Class
Funded Sep 17, 2015I am writing to thank you again for your donation to my classroom project "Portable Projector for the Portable Music Class." I have started using the projector at my five schools and it is a wonderful addition to my available resources. My school district has provided me with an iPad mini which I have connected to the projector so I can use note reading apps with my students. These apps are a fun way for them to improve their note reading skills.
I have also connected a document camera to the projector which projects any music we are working on up on the screen. This way I can write on the music or point to particular places in the music and know that all my students are looking in the same place at the same time.
I know that this projector is going to be an amazing tool to help my students become better musicians.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Lawrence
Violins for future Einsteins or Jeffersons?
Funded Oct 27, 2014My new violin students were so excited that I could add them in to the beginning violin class. They had just about given up hope that I would accept any more students in to music class, but thanks to you and Donors Choose, their wish to learn the violin has come true.
Every year, I always have more applicants than instruments, and violin is the most requested instrument. Because of this, I have to turn away several students who want to learn violin. With this donation, I was able to make more dreams come true.
You and Donors Choose have changed the lives of several students who are getting the chance to fulfill their dream of learning how to play violin. And this donation will continue to affect additional students for many years to come.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Lawrence
Music Books for Marvelous Kids
Funded Sep 1, 2014When I begin my music classes each Fall, I use materials that I have written myself. My beginning music students are elementary school English Language Learners who come from low income families. The method books that are available begin at a level that is appropriate for middle and high school age students, but too advanced for my elementary students. When I handed out the method books received through Donors Choose, my students were very excited. They liked how the books looked and immediately started looking through them. They were also very excited to lean that the books came with a practice CD.
My students and I use the method books at every lesson. The books are full of music specific vocabulary and help teach my students how to read music notes. The students also take the books home to practice I also play the music from the CD on my iPod during class for the students to play along with. When my students perform at the end of the school year, they will be performing songs out of the method books and I will play the accompaniment tracks along with them.
Using my own handmade materials can only get my students so far, and it doesn't make sense to try and reinvent the wheel when there are so many great method books available. Being able to use standards-based method books with my students greatly enhances their learning and since the books include practice CD's there is a greater chance that my students will be motivated to practice at home.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Lawrence