Past projects 21
Recorder Karate With Loom Bands!
Funded Mar 23, 2017My students have so enjoyed using the new loom bands and other supplies during our recorder unit this spring. Recorder Karate is a program that allows students to "level up" in the belt they are on by learning and playing assessment songs. Each song has a different level of difficulty and they are given two weeks to learn and practice each song. There are many opportunities for them to perform and earn their next level. Each time they play and earn a rubric score of at least 3 out of 4 they receive a new loom band (belt) for their recorder. They are motivated and are very excited to play for me each time we come into class. The Star Wars music has been particularly difficult to learn but we are moving towards accomplishing it each week. My upper grade students are learning correct breathing technique with the sphere as a visual for how the lungs fill with air. We are also using the cups for fun during our Cup Song Unit at the end of the school year. It's crazy with all those bright colors moving around the circle. It's very fun to see them keep the steady beat.
My students were very excited when they saw the loom bands. They did not know what they were for and had many questions. Most of the supplies we received were so very different than anything they've seen in music class before. It was really a great time to see them discover what each item was for.
At this time, we are getting ready to close up the classroom towards the end of the year. It is time to repair instruments and store them away for the summer. I currently have a project for some storage items and repair supplies for our Orff instruments. This helps provide longevity for all of our supplies and allows us to use them for years and years to come. We would love your help on those projects as well. Thank you so much for all you do to help provide for arts education!”
With gratitude,
Ms. B.
MUSIC: Listen, Play, Compose
Funded Aug 25, 2016This project has allowed my students to each have a musical experience they will not forget! The best example is each of them were able to use the white boards to learn about time signatures and how to write their own music. They were really impressed when they could each then play their partner's music when they were finished. We will be using this technique to compose their songs for their programs in December and May!
The students are so excited about the new materials they have received. Their previous musical experience consisted of reading out of a book and listening to CDs. I am glad they see now that music can be very hands on. Their faces were so happy about all the new experiences they get to have this year!
The next steps in our classroom with these supplies will be to have public performances with all that they've learned. We are so excited to show off our new skills with our new instruments and supplies.
Thank you so much for helping these kiddos learn about music and give them a well rounded musical experience!”
With gratitude,
Ms. B.
This classroom project was brought to life by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and 5 other donors.