Past projects 14
One Song, Many Voices
Funded Dec 7, 2018Since we have received our sound system, we have been able to use the equipment in sessions to help students practice using microphones, to amplify recorded music, and to help students practice performance skills. We will also use it to perform a student-directed showcase about music from video games, movies, and TV shows!
For some of our students, having access to a microphone in sessions helps them to participate in session more fully. It is incredible to see the pride and independence in students whose voices are being amplified for the first time. For other students, hearing and feeling the music is an incredible experience that gives them enjoyment and gratitude.
This sound system will serve our students for years to come, as they develop their relationships with music and develop skills they will use in the community, at home, and in daily living. Thank you for improving our music therapy program with your donation.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Stephanie
Drumming for Resilience
Funded Nov 1, 2017As we've used our project materials over these past few weeks, I've seen excitement and joy in my students. We have been able to incorporate the materials into a variety show that the entire school witnessed and cheered wildly for. We have used the materials in small groups and large groups. And we will continue to explore and use our brand new instruments.
For my students, having access to high quality instruments that are age appropriate and rewarding to play is such a gift. Students of all abilities have been able to drum and "groove" together, and we've had incredible conversations about music as a result. Yesterday, students told me what music was to them. These are some of the answers they gave:
"Music is energizing."
"Music is calming."
"Music is exciting."
"Music is excellence."
"Music is life."
I hope it's clear that your gift has provided my students with an outlet that they can use throughout their time at school and into their adulthood. Thank you for giving my students incredible tools they can use to build resilience!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Stephanie
Music Therapy with Dignity
Funded Aug 2, 2016My students and I have been using our new materials EVERY DAY in music therapy sessions! We have used our snare drum to improvise, accompany our singing, and work on attention training. We have used our singing bowl for "vocal toning," which allows our group to connect by using our voices however we can. We are planning an iPad Band performance in our variety show, which will allow us to use our iPad stands and speakers.
From the day we opened our packages, I saw how meaningful these materials were to my students. It has had an incredible impact on their lives as musicians and young adults. When my students saw the materials, they were visibly excited! My students who use verbal forms of communication let out exclamations like, "SO COOL!", "I am SO EXCITED!", and, "We should say thank you!" All of my students smiled toothy smiles, sat as tall as they could while playing, and laughed with excitement when they heard themselves making music. They were proud of their ability to participate in music independently.
I am proud to say that our classroom has gotten a lot of support this year. We received a piano donation from Laursen pianos, which will allow us to participate in meaningful music making with a high-quality instrument. We also received a grant from EcoLab, which will allow us to continue building our iPad Band project, and will provide more high quality, age-appropriate instruments for my students. Finally, we received a grant from VSA Arts MN, which will bring in two MN artists to our classroom and allow us to work directly with them on vocal and instrumental music improvisation. The materials you provided will make all of these opportunities even more meaningful.
I firmly believe your support has opened the door for limitless opportunities for us, and I cannot express enough how grateful I am for your donations. You have given my students dignity in music--both as musicians and adults!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Stephanie
Powerful: A Variety Show about Celebrating Differences
Funded Jan 29, 2016Our students worked diligently to prepare for their variety show! When they first saw the materials, I could tell they were genuinely excited and touched that people they had never met cared about them so deeply. After I asked, "what do you think we should do now?" One of my students replied, "we need to say thank you," and all of my students nodded in agreement. I was so impressed with their earnest gratitude. We had never done a Donor's Choose project before, so this desire to express thanks was completely intrinsic--inspired by your generosity.
My students immediately began practicing making "ocean waves" with partners using the fabric we received. The fabric and paper boats they have created will be used for our movement piece to the song "Barquito de Papel." One of our students in a wheelchair will be a very large "paper boat," moving around stage for this piece. Practicing for this piece has also allowed my students to practice working together, being patient with one another, and sustaining their attention. It is wonderful to be able to serve my students' IEP goals of improving attending skills and social/emotional skills in a way that is so genuinely exciting and motivating for them.
The materials that you provided have helped our students and staff maintain incredible morale, despite this project being challenging for all of us at times! Just knowing that people like you believe in what we are doing has made all the difference. And our show was INCREDIBLE! We got so many compliments from students and staff who were impressed with our hard work and talent. Many friends, family, and teachers were moved to tears.
Because of your generosity, we were able to purchase shirts that our students designed, and wear them for our show! They are red with light blue text. They say "Powerful" on the front, and on the back, they say, "I matter. You matter. We matter." They words on the shirts are taken directly from our finale song: "Powerful," which is about celebrating differences and being strong, even when it's hard.
I hope you understand how incredibly special it has been for my students to receive your support. I have been so humbled and moved throughout this process. I am rejuvenated by the love and support my friends, family, neighbors, and even complete strangers have shown to my students. As a testimony to the amazing gratitude my students, support staff, and I feel, for your generosity, I'd like to leave you with the spoken word piece my students have written for this show:
Some people have special needs
Like the trees, they need water to grow
Some people need help to write
Some people need help to read
Some people need help to walk
Some people need help to talk
Some people need help to work
Some people need help to listen
Some people need help to see
Some people need help to hear
Some people need help to calm down
Some people need help to make friends
Some people need help to eat
Some people need help to take care of themselves
Some people have special needs
Like the trees, they need water to grow
We need help sometimes
But we are NOT helpless
I am good at helping my friends
I am good at being safe
I am good at listening
I am good at basketball
I am good at singing
I am good at signing
I am good at soccer
I am good at football
I am good at video games
I am good at helping at home
I am good at wrestling
I am good at karate
I am good at gymnastics
I am good at driving (my wheelchair)
I am good at tying my shoes
I am good at talking
I am good at making people smile
I am good at choosing happiness
I am PERSEVERANT--I never give up
I am FLEXIBLE--I can adapt
I am KIND--even when it's hard
I am ME
I am POWERFUL”
With gratitude,
Ms. Stephanie
This classroom project was brought to life by Tony and Nanar Yoseloff and 3 other donors.