Past projects 13
Help Us Get Our First Harp For Orchestra!
Funded Mar 6, 2018Thank you so much for your donation! Getting an orchestra started in a modern school music program is quite a daunting task, but having the availability to have and teach harp in the class or after school is very unique and something that has been a dream of mine.
Although my music students are very much beginners at their own instruments, they were very excited to see what a harp looks like in person, to see what it sounds like and experience getting a chance to play it. As soon as the box arrived, my students helped me to carefully take it out and the amount of surprise and comments as it was being unpacked was great!
The kids were eager to learn how to tune it, to plug it up to the amp to see how it sounds as it is plucked and then carefully took turns sitting with it to pose for photos as well as pluck a few strings and learn where all the F's and C's were. Many of them are interested in learning the harp after school with me and I'm sure it's going to be an exciting new addition to our orchestra class for next year!
The harp has so many uses, I don't know how everyone wouldn't want one! It can be played with the orchestra, but also with the band, chorus, as an accompaniment instrument for other instruments and voices as well as a beautiful solo instrument! We already have plans to possibly take some music ensemble next year to the Florida Renaissance Festival to play. The harp would be perfectly suited for medieval and renaissance music as well.
Thank you for this opportunity to be able to teach this gorgeous instrument and show the world how easy such a diverse and beautiful instrument like the harp can be!”
With gratitude,
Mr. Saenz
This classroom project was brought to life by The First Million Fund and 10 other donors.Beginner Instruments for Band Students
Funded Mar 27, 2018The faces of my students when they saw the packages that were delivered were lit up with excitement. Their memorable faces and happiness will stay with me forever. These instruments will allow students who have not had the financial opportunity to get their own instruments to now be able to stay in my class and play their instruments.
We are at the end of this year, so students have already been switched out at the beginning of the year who weren't able to get their own instruments. But starting next year, we will now have 8 more instruments in our inventory that will allow 8 more students to be able to stay in the class should they not be able to afford their own instrument.
These instruments will make a huge impact on their lives by giving them the opportunity to learn how to read, play and enjoy music to the fullest. My program and school as a whole will benefit by having more students in the band classes, thus allowing to increase in numbers and skills over the years which will bring in prestige for the school once the community knows our program for having amazing musicians. My students will in turn go out into the community to share their love for music and tutor younger music beginners and continue the cycle.
I know that these projects are geared towards the students, but many teachers consider other career paths when faced with declining availability of classroom materials. But, my life has already been greatly impacted personally by the wonderful donors who have supported my students, and it makes me want to continue being a teacher for the rest of my life so that I can be there for our future musicians!
Thank you so much for everything you have done!”
With gratitude,
Mr. Saenz
This classroom project was brought to life by Ripple.Fulfilling Musical Dreams!
Funded Feb 28, 2017At the beginning of the year, we tried to have an after school Pep Band to play for school events and games, but the group didn't generate enough membership, and the small membership we did have didn't have any percussion accompaniment, so it was impossible for us to really make a good impression at school events. Having a drum-set especially is a HUGE component to most music, and that is expressly the case for Pep Band and Marching Band music. Without a drum-set, there really wasn't a point to starting the group, so it was canceled. Now that we have a drum-set, a xylophone, and other necessary auxiliary instruments, we are able to use them to enhance performances for every class. We won't be able to start the Pep Band (hopefully future Marching Band) until next year when we have more appropriate marching instruments, but I know we will for sure have an amazing drum-set, xylophone and other basic essentials to start with thanks to you!
As a brand new school and band program starting with nothing, every little thing means so much; to myself and my students. My students hear and feel the difference in the program, and so do I and we are extremely grateful.
Starting a project on DonorsChoose.org has been such a great investment for my program that was so easy to get started, promote, and finalize with such great benefits! I would highly advise that every teacher who needs the resources for their classroom/program take advantage of this great site and opportunity every year that they can, I sure will!”
With gratitude,
Mr. Saenz