Past projects 23
Music: Rock On!
Funded Dec 17, 2019When I introduced the new band song "Presto!" to my students and played a professional recording of it, they became super excited to start learning. They liked the fast speed and the energy of the performance. They know that 'presto' means 'very fast' in Italian.
Last fall we started to practice with a metronome in their lessons, so now each time they come for a lesson, they beg me to set the metronome higher so they can try playing their music faster. It is fun watching them want to learn with such enthusiasm.
We would like to thank you for your generous support to our music program!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Milsted
Play It Again, Sam!
Funded Dec 14, 2018My students were very happy to hear the good news when I told them our DonorsChoose.org project had been funded. After I told them the project included a new song called "Bingo", they giggled with excitement and wanted to see the music right away. They enjoy playing songs that have melodies they already know. I will program this selection at our next concert.
The violin player, who received the replacement case, was very happy to get rid of the case that was held together with duct tape. She really likes the backpack straps that came with it.
Overall, the arrival of the materials provided an nice boost of optimism for the students. They continue to be enthusiastic and eager to learn.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Milsted
Drums And More!
Funded May 31, 2018My students and I would like to thank you for donating to our project "Drums and More!" The students were very excited to see and try the new Hi-Hat Cymbal and they are asking when they can start using it in band practice. (Our first practice will be in a couple of weeks.)
The violin cases arrived at just the right time. One of the cases slated for replacement fell apart a few days before the new one arrived. Luckily the timing was such that the student did not miss any practice time.
They are so excited to play. Some students bring instruments to school on days they don't have lessons, just because they like to carry their instrument around.
Again, thank you for your generosity. With your assistance, it is going to be a great year!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Milsted
This classroom project was brought to life by An Anonymous Arts Funder and 5 other donors.Songs for the Season!
Funded Jan 25, 2018My students and I would like to thank you for your generous donation to our instrumental music program. The materials we received have been put to good use.
The students are enjoying the new music and busy learning and preparing for their spring concert in mid May. They especially like "Popcorn Prelude" since it features each section and the students get to briefly stand and play a 'solo' during the song.
My clarinet players are grateful for new mouthpiece cushions. Previously, we had been using electrical tape to prevent teeth grooves in the top of the mouthpiece. However, it slides around, rips, and has to be replaced on a regular basis. The new mouthpiece cushions stay put and are a much better solution.
We are very appreciative of your support!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Milsted
This classroom project was brought to life by The First Million Fund and 3 other donors.Deck the Halls with Music!
Funded Mar 29, 2017My students and I would like to express our thanks for your assistance in funding "Deck the Halls with Music!"
Our classroom supplies arrived and I have already put them to good use! The saxophonist is now playing on the new mouthpiece and the orchestra players have new strings on their violins. The violinist appreciates the new case with shoulder straps because it makes it easier to transport her instrument to school when riding the bus.
The kids are delighted to learn of thoughtful and generous people like you; people who are willing to help them be successful in school!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Milsted
This classroom project was brought to life by Aspect Ventures and 3 other donors.Music Alive!
Funded Dec 22, 2015My students and I would like to thank you for your support of our music program! One of my classes is in the middle of a recorder unit. We are learning music fundamentals such as tonguing, keeping a steady beat, breath control, listening and reading music notation. They are thoroughly enjoying learning music through the use of recorders.
With the orchestra supplies from this project, we have polished the violins to remove fingerprints and condition the wood. The students were amazed at how a little polish and elbow grease changed the look of their instruments from rather dull to more illustrious.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Milsted
Here Comes the Band!
Funded Nov 14, 2015My students and I were really excited to receive the supplies funded by your generous donations! We have already put the materials to good use. The worn out cases, ligatures, strings and mouthpieces have been replaced with the new ones. Some of the clarinet reeds have been given to students who needed a spare one until their parents can purchase more. When students need to borrow another instrument while their instrument is in the repair shop, they have used the sanitizing spray to disinfect the mouthpieces.
Our next band performance is in May. The students are starting to learn their music and will be proud to demonstrate what they are able to do with their new equipment!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Milsted
It's Concert Time!
Funded Dec 5, 2015My students were very excited to receive the classroom supplies from our project "It's Concert Time!" We were able to replace some worn out cases with new ones allowing us to protect and extend the life of our instruments. We replaced the strings on several violins. They wear out after a couple of years and lose the clarity of their sound. Replacing old strings brings back the 'beauty' of a violin's true sound. We also replaced some of the bows that were starting to warp or lose their bow hair.
Our next performance will be in mid-February. My students are really looking forward to using their new supplies!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Milsted
The Case of the Missing Reeds
Funded Jan 1, 2015My students and I would like to thank you for your kind donation to our instrumental music program.
When a student tells me they can't get replacement reeds until their parents' next paycheck, being able to give them one in the interim allows them to continue playing and learning. They have been very good about giving the school a new reed back when they are able to get their own, thus helping to replenish our supply for the next student who may find him or herself in need.
The replacement cases have all been assigned, and the students who are able to use them are very proud to be using a new case instead of the old case being held together with duct tape!
Thank you so much for your generosity!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Milsted
And The Band Played On...
Funded Dec 23, 2014After the band arrangements arrived at my school, I went On-line and found a professional recording of one of them. I was able to play that recording as my students listened and followed along with their music. They thought the song sounded awesome and were really excited to start learning it. They especially liked the clapping part in the middle of the song.
I liked the fact that they could follow along and listen because this activity really helps their music reading fluency. It also gives them a chance to listen to see how their part fits in with the other parts. This makes the process of piecing the parts together a much easier task during rehearsal.
We are very thankful for your generosity and contribution toward our music program and looking forward to a successful spring concert!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Milsted