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Ms. McElveen's Classroom

  • Phil Charter School - Arts & Sciences
  • Philadelphia, PA
  • Nearly all students from low‑income households Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more

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Past projects 7

  • "Beating" the Odds

    Funded Sep 20, 2022

    We are over the moon and thrilled to have these instruments in our ensemble. your donation has made a lasting impact on our learning environment and helps us achieve the most beautiful musical selections. Over the years our ensemble has grown tremendously and it is because of donations like yours that we are able to keep music alive in public schools. This winter we performed at Macy's as well as our annual Winter Concert and the instruments added a magical sound to our ensemble. With your help, our students get to play a variety of music and styles. We are forever grateful and we can't wait to share the goodness with the entire Philadelphia area. You made this happen for us and we are very grateful!”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. McElveen

    This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 3 other donors.
  • Keyboard Surfing

    Funded Oct 7, 2022

    We are over the moon and thrilled to have these instruments in our ensemble. your donation has made a lasting impact on our learning environment and helps us achieve the most beautiful musical selections. Over the years our ensemble has grown tremendously and it is because of donations like yours that we are able to keep music alive in public schools. This winter we performed at Macy's as well as our annual Winter Concert and the instruments added a magical sound to our ensemble. With your help, our students get to play a variety of music and styles. We are forever grateful and we can't wait to share the goodness with the entire Philadelphia area. You made this happen for us and we are very grateful!”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. McElveen

  • Tub-ular Year Ahead!

    Funded Dec 4, 2019

    When I unveiled the new instrument to the children the looks on their faces were simply amazing. I was so moved by their curiosity and inquisitive inquiries about how the instrument worked! You helped achieve that! Without your donations this new world of music and new journey of exploration would not happen.

    I was able to show the class clips of the blue man group and we are now working on an arrangement for our spring show. The students have taken ownership of this composition and I get to enjoy their creativity!

    In a time where many schools' programs for music and arts are being cut, you invested in the continuation of spreading music education and pure magic in the city of Philadelphia. Thank you again!

    P.S. I told them if they get famous they owe you all big time!”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. McElveen

    This classroom project was brought to life by An anonymous classroom supporter and 6 other donors.
  • We Got the Beat!

    Funded Oct 17, 2017

    I am so grateful for your contribution to our music program. Our students have since participated in the Philadelphia Veteran's Parade and it's because of you! They have a vast variety of instruments to play that are in working condition and the students just light up during class when they get a chance to play! Our students overcome adversity every day and because of your donation they can hold their heads up high and revel in the fact that they are outstanding percussionist.

    It feels good to give them the gift of creativity. Even better than that, through your contribution we have given the students POWER. Power to create, power to believe, and power to realize their potential!

    I can't say thank you enough and would love for you to continue partnering with us as we build our percussion department.”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. McElveen

  • Moving To A New Beat!

    Funded Aug 27, 2016

    I am still in awe! When the Sabian cymbals arrived at our school the entire drum line lit up with glee! These wonderful students knew that the journey they were about to embark on was going to be extraordinary. I've seen a 180 degree turn around in student pride and behavior because of this drum line. Students who would be rather uninterested in coming to school now have a reason!

    My cymbal players are coming along! I have been impressed with their progress. This wouldn't be possible without donors who have faith in the power of music. Music has brought together an entire neighborhood. Oh to see the smiles on their faces as we marched down the street! I can't say it enough. Thank you! You have changed our world!”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. McElveen

    This classroom project was brought to life by the estate of Dorothea Lutz and 10 other donors.
  • A Growing Band In Need

    Funded Jan 7, 2015

    Words cannot express our gratitude towards you for your donation. Giving the students brand new instruments has been the highlight of our school year thus far. It always amazes me just how great an impact one small act of kindness has on the lives of children.

    The students you helped are not from wealthy families and they have overcome some of the most heart wrenching circumstances in their short lives. Music is an important outlet for them. Our band class isn't just a time to come in and earn a grade but a time to release all of the issues that are on the hearts of these students. When I opened the box of instruments I knew that the school year was going to become better.

    Thank you for giving our students a chance. Areas in Philadelphia like ours are usually forgotten and pushed aside. You have helped shine light on students that deserve a fair chance at success. I'm sure you will see some of their names in lights one day and you will be able to say you contributed to their victory.”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. McElveen

  • Taking Music Everywhere

    Funded Apr 24, 2014

    Thank you so very much for your support! Your contribution to our band program has helped us tremendously. I remember the look on our tuba student's face when he received the case. If I could freeze that moment in time I would have done so. He was so grateful and even the other students were in awe. It means the world to our students to have people who care.

    When it comes to working hard and being present for class, my students have learned how to do that. As I told you before, this school was in danger of being closed down two years ago. Now the students have the tools that can help them turn the school around and become all they can be. This tuba case has allowed moving to different locations to be a breeze. I no longer have to stress about damaging the instrument and that alone is a tremendous weight off of my shoulders!

    Not only will your contributions help with the furthering of the music program but we were able to see immediate results. We traveled to New Jersey in May for our very first Music in Parks competition. I am proud to say that the concert band came in FIRST PLACE! How awesome is that? The judges complimented our low brass section and highlighted the gorgeous tone of our tuba player. This would not be possible without you. You really aided us in "Taking Music Everywhere."

    Thank you so very much from the bottom of our hearts! We will never forget your kind donation.”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. McElveen

Our students have so may obstacles to overcome. Before becoming the wonderful school we are now, our students were once in jeopardy of being moved to another school due to low testing and scores. They have risen in their academics as well as the arts over the past two years! We are striving to give them a world class education and exposure to the arts on a level they have never experienced. My band students were all beginners last year but now to hear and witness their improvement is amazing to say the least. The students each were given their own instrument to take home and practice and they have displayed what hard work really can do.

About my class

Our students have so may obstacles to overcome. Before becoming the wonderful school we are now, our students were once in jeopardy of being moved to another school due to low testing and scores. They have risen in their academics as well as the arts over the past two years! We are striving to give them a world class education and exposure to the arts on a level they have never experienced. My band students were all beginners last year but now to hear and witness their improvement is amazing to say the least. The students each were given their own instrument to take home and practice and they have displayed what hard work really can do.

About my class

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