Past projects 6
Crash Course in Great Music!
Funded Dec 26, 2016Thank you so much for your generous donations. The students immediately benefited from your gifts. Several of the pieces we have been working on call for cymbals and sound much better now that we have their distinctive timbre. In addition, a big part of beginning band is being an instrument technician. The repair kit has already been put to use to keep the band playing.
There are few instruments more exciting to young students than a pair of crash cymbals! Everyone wanted a turn to try them out. I even wrote them into our version of Hayden's "Surprise Symphony" for a real (loud) surprise for the audience.
I plan to continue to collect instruments so the band can hopefully march in next year's Christmas parade. Thanks to your donations, we're off to a great start.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Wells
The Art and Science of Butterflies
Funded Feb 19, 2016At the core of my teaching philosophy is the belief that all students benefit from concrete, hands-on learning experiences. The supplies you provided allowed my students to explore the life cycle of butterflies from an inquiry stand point, using real tools to investigate their wonderings. The instruments you furnished added colors to the pallet of timbres the students used while composing their original "Butterfly Metamorphosis" dance piece.
Children love to use "real" things, like the real tools and real instruments you provided. Even the youngest students realize they must be careful and respectful of the delicate, grown-up instruments and tools. The students' faces lit up when they first understood that they would be working with these high quality tools and instruments for the duration of our butterfly investigation.
As a culmination of our unit the older students performed their "Butterfly Metamorphosis" while the younger students danced (in costume!) through the life cycle. Students presented their informational posters and dioramas, and shared fun facts and butterfly jokes. Students and parents planted a butterfly garden to attract pollinators, which the parents and students continue to maintain. Students will continue to use inquiry and compose music and movement to explore and respond to the world around them.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Wells
Tools and Technology for Making and Engineering Music
Funded Oct 20, 2015Thank you so much for helping us build our music program. Students in the Arts Academy had their Showcase last Thursday and were able to use the music stands, xylophone, keyboards, and mic cables. Students continue to work on their recording projects using the remainder of the supplies you furnished.
Students were really excited when they first saw all the "real" equipment they are able to use. The materials you provided are high-quality instruments and equipment that are used by professionals. As such, students really stepped up their efforts to show they were ready for the next phase of their musical development.
We will continue the develop and expand the music program. Our enrollment continues to increase, and the administration is looking into providing us with a sound studio space where students will have more access to the equipment you provided. Thank you again!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Wells
STEAM-Powered Creations: Linking Music, Science, Art, & Math
Funded Apr 6, 2015They say a picture is worth a thousand words; when you take a look at the photos of my students creating and performing on their instruments you can see how your generosity has made a positive impact! Students talked about how "appreciative" and "grateful" they were to learn about math, science, music, and art with the materials you provided. They said it was "tricky" but "fun." These two components (challenge and positive engagement) are keys to meaningful learning experiences.
Once the xylophones were constructed and decorated with their artwork students performed the classroom composition of their rondo. Each student performed the variation they composed, with all students performing the classroom theme in between. Watching the students perform with such focus and sense of camaraderie was truly inspiring as an educator.
One of the best aspects of this project is that students now have an instrument at home to practice on and explore their musical creativity with. I'm looking forward to working with these "seasoned" percussionists in the future as they continue to deepen their musical understanding.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Wells
Precocious Percussionists
Funded Oct 28, 2014My students and fellow faculty members rave about the instruments you helped purchase. Not only do the students love to play them, everyone who hears them appreciates the beautiful tones the xylophones create. Including more drumming into music class has engaged more learners; a highlight was when a boy (who has been diagnosed with autism) told me he bought a pair of drumsticks so he could practice at home!
The instruments have been used by students in grades first through eighth. Second graders and fifth graders performed on them during their holiday performance and middle school students performed on them along with hand bells at the Veteran's Home. Currently, middle school students are preparing for a year-end percussion ensemble performance.
A solid understanding of rhythm is essential to good musicianship. Having quality instruments to play on has boosted students' motivation to master the fundamentals of percussion technique. It makes my day when I hear students practicing during their free time-- all made possible by your generous gift! Thank you!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Wells
Music FUNdamentals
Funded Nov 5, 2013They say a picture is worth a thousand words; once you see the happy faces of my music students you will know how your gift has positively affected these kids! Students think the Boomwhackers are "fun" and "cool." Students "love to make music with them" and think "they make awesome sounds."
Students are using Boomwhackers to learn about musical concepts such as scales, intervals, rhythms, and keeping a steady beat. We even use them to learn about instrument families by pretending we are playing violins, trumpets, drums or flutes.
The colorful Boomwhacker tubes help students see the relationship between the notes and get a better grasp on music theory. They are inviting and fun, so student find the learning to be inviting and fun! Thank you so much for supporting arts education.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Wells
This classroom project was brought to life by an anonymous donor and one other donor.