Past projects 11
Shining on Stage!
Funded Nov 30, 2021My students and I have had so much fun using the juggling scarves and the ribbon wands under the black lights ~ and in just regular light as well!
The scarves and ribbons glowing under the black light make for a unique experience, adding joy and beauty to our musical experiences. The students have enjoyed creating different kinds of movements with the props, accompanied by different kinds of music.
And who doesn't need great storage? I wasn't able to get the gloves I had originally chosen, but what a blessing the storage boxes have been. I can safely and securely pack the scarves and ribbon wands when they are not in use.
I am so thankful to everyone who donated!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Tehuiotoa
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 4 other donors.Let's Light Up The Darkness!
Funded Oct 10, 2021Oh my goodness! The first time I used black lights in my music classes, I was enthusiastically declared to be the greatest teacher in the universe!!
The black lights have made the simplest, sometimes boring, activities exciting. Practicing rhythms, doing instrument playalongs, dancing! Their delight -- kindergarten through fifth grade -- was palpable!!
As we prepare for our spring concerts, using black light is definitely on the program.
I am ever grateful to all the donors who made it possible for my students to experience this!!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Tehuiotoa
This classroom project was brought to life by Nevada Department of Education.Drums Alive ~ Take Two!
Funded Aug 20, 2021Having done one fundraiser for my initial set of Drums Alive! materials, I quickly realized that ALL of my students in each of my classes needed to have a set that accommodated the numbers in each group.
I also have an after-school Music Club that had 40 members. Being able to have enough drumming stations for every single student was electrifying! My students LOVED the drumming stations. The energy generated by the activities was fantastic.
As a Club, we created a drumming routine to the song "Little Drummer Boy" for our Christmas concerts. It was amazing. We could not have done it without the help of very generous donors.
Thank you so much.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Tehuiotoa
This classroom project was brought to life by Bill Gates and 7 other donors.Drums Alive!
Funded Apr 28, 2021We received our Drums Alive! materials at the end of last school year, so when school started up again this year and I was able to teach in my own classroom again, I was so excited to use these drumming stations with my 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders (other grade levels will use them later).
These students have had so much fun! We did group lessons together, using patterns that others have created. But then, we decided to create our own Drums Alive! routine to a song, "Crazy Frog". The creativity and ideas that have come out of them is amazing to watch.
We could not have done this without your help. I am forever grateful!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Tehuiotoa
This classroom project was brought to life by Suddenlink and one other donor.Conquering Covid While Making Music!
Funded Aug 10, 2020When COVID-19 "crashed" the world and shut down education as we knew it, so many of us teachers were caught off guard, unsure how best to meet the needs of our students. In preparing to reopen with a hybrid model (students divided into 2 groups attending school every other day), I wanted to make sure my students could still make music without having to share instruments.
The creation of individual instrument kits for over 300 students could not have been accomplished without the support of donors like you. The items you helped purchase ~ chopsticks, bean bags, and egg shakers ~ allow my students to make music, learn rhythms, and find joy in what often is a joyless time in their school lives. We use the chopsticks as rhythm sticks and drum sticks. The bean bags are used for movement activities and balance. The egg shakers are our mini-maracas ~ such a fun sound!
Thank you for everything you have done for us.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Tehuiotoa
This classroom project was brought to life by EagleTree Capital and 4 other donors.Bouncin' Beats and Basketball Rhythms
Funded Dec 19, 2019I have long desired to find ways to excite my music students when it comes to learning and practicing rhythms and beats. In the past I have done basketball rhythms and routines with my after-school music club, which is just a small part of my school's student population. I always had to borrow the basketballs from my PE colleague (who was always gracious), but it had to be at a time when he was not doing his own basketball unit.
I decided, finally, that I needed my own set of basketballs. Having had success with Donors Choose in the past in acquiring supplies that were outside my financial means, I submitted this project. I had high hopes that it would get funded, and my hopes were wonderfully fulfilled.
Now, not only do I get to use the basketballs with my after-school program, I can use them to practice rhythmic reading in my 2nd through 5th grade classes. They BEG to do the basketball routines! It thrills my heart to see their faces light up when we pull them out!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Tehuiotoa
This classroom project was brought to life by An anonymous classroom supporter and 12 other donors.Ring The Bells!
Funded May 28, 2019Our bells are beautiful! Not only do they look lovely in the variety of colors ~ they SOUND beautiful.
My second graders have had a few opportunities to play the bells. They were so excited to see them. They love to play them. And not only the students ~ I have had a few teachers who have stopped by the music room to take time to play the bells.
I am looking forward to our school concerts, where I plan to have my Music Club students perform songs using these bells.
I am so very grateful for your generosity. We could never have purchased these bells on our limited budget. The only thing that could be better would be if you were able to hear the beautiful music we will make this year on our bells.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Tehuiotoa
Tickling the Ivories
Funded Jan 3, 2019Oh my goodness! Where do I begin? My students absolutely LOVE these keyboards. They were so excited each time they came to music class and found out it was "Piano Day." My hope is that this excitement will translate into a lifelong love for music making ~ whether it is on the piano or on a different instrument.
I cannot express my gratitude enough towards you, for your generosity. Now that we've had one "season" of piano playing, I eagerly look forward to next school year, when we will build on all that we learned this year.
Many blessings to you for your gift!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Tehuiotoa
We All Need A Little Support Sometimes
Funded Dec 11, 2018The Grand Stand Music Stands are FABULOUS! My students no longer have to place their music flat on the floor to read it while also trying to play. I do Recorder Karate with my 4th and 5th graders and they play on their recorders almost every class time. Having the Grand Stands have made it much easier for the students to play and as a result, their practice time is much more productive.
When I first introduced them to the stands, they were very excited! The only thing that could have made it better is if there was one for each child. However, learning how to share is an important skill we teach in school.
Not only will the students use the stands while practicing their recorders, they will use them while playing the ukuleles, AND when we begin our piano-playing unit in a few months. These stands will be used often and for many years! Thank you so very, very much!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Tehuiotoa
Jingle Here, Rhythm There
Funded Nov 15, 2017I want to take a moment to say thank you for your financial support. I was able to purchase several sets of jingle bells for ankles and/or wrists, and a cajon. We put the jingle bells to good use immediately!
Each year, as I plan performances, I try to make each concert engaging and memorable ~ both to the students and the audiences. This past holiday season, we did just that, with your help.
My second graders performed a dance to the song "Christmas Time's a-Comin!", by Raffi. When we were learning the dance in class and I showed them the bells they would be using, they were so excited!! They danced, with the delightful sound of jingle bells filling the air. Each dancer had jingle bells either on their ankles or around their wrists. It was so much fun to watch!
We haven't had a chance to use our new cajon yet, but rest assured that it will bring great learning experiences to our classroom.
Thank you so much for giving. Your generosity brought joy to our classroom!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Tehuiotoa