Past projects 3
Positively Playful!
Funded Feb 21, 2017I'm excited to say that my project is now fully funded! Thank you SO MUCH for your generosity. I encourage each of you to continue to be supporters of music and the arts whether it is through a donation of your time, words of encouragement to teachers and students, or through financial donations such as those that you gave to my students and me. Your gift will go a long way to make education both an entertaining and enjoyable experience!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Greene
The Reasons Why We Sing
Funded Nov 28, 2016My students had a FABULOUS time at the theater! Although we'd had discussions at school about what musicals are, about acceptable audience etiquette, and what to expect once we were seated in the theater, their fascination began with seeing Swift Creek Mill Theater itself! We learned about the history of the building and its former life as a gristmill, and observed some of the architectural changes that were apparent in the foundation and walls of the theater itself.
One of the highlights of the trip for my students was that the men and women in cast of the musical "I Just Gotta Sing" performed many of the songs we've been studying in class. Their faces lit up when the accompanist played the introduction and they began to recognize many of the African-American Spirituals being discussed in our Black History Month unit of study. We all found ourselves tapping our feet, clapping our hands and trying very hard NOT to sing along! Some of our students were even invited to be part of the show! The looks on their faces was priceless when they got the chance to be on stage alongside professional theater musicians!
In addition to being entertained, this trip inspired my students and I to learn more about the history of music in the African-American tradition, not just during Black History Month, but throughout the year. In fact, on the the bus ride back to school one of my students asked me "Can you only sing those songs during Black History Month?" It sparked a discussion that inspired me to incorporate the study of at least one piece of music from the African-American tradition or by an African-American composer in each unit that we cover in music class.
Thank you all for being a part of such a wonderful experience for my students and I.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Greene
This classroom project was brought to life by an anonymous donor and 4 other donors.Lights, Camera, Action!
Funded Oct 9, 2014This project has made such a HUGE impact in my classroom. When the document camera and projector first arrived the students asked, "Can we KEEP this?" or "Is this really YOURS?!" Now when my students enter the classroom, they get SO excited when they see the projector set up for the day's lesson because they know that they are in for a new experience.
I have been able to show my students videos of orchestra and solo instrumental concerts, ballets and stories which directly relate to our lesson. They are able to see and analyze the skills and theories that we study in practice. Also, when my small group ensembles have to do in-class performances or demonstrations, I use the projector and document camera to show the music on the screen so that the student performers AND the students in the audience can see and experience the lesson more fully.
This project has boosted my teaching and my students' learning by allowing us to experience the intersection between music and technology. I am SO grateful that I now have the opportunity to share music with them in a more innovative and exciting way!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Greene
This classroom project was brought to life by an anonymous donor and 8 other donors.