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This teacher needs your help!

Mr. Sutherland from Los Angeles, CA is requesting musical instruments through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Mr. Sutherland is requesting

We Lack the Biggest Sax

Help me give my students turn up the bass in our saxophone section!

  • $7,447 goal

Hooray! This project is fully funded

Hooray! This project is fully funded

Keep the momentum going! Make a donation to Mr. Sutherland for his next project!

Help Mr. Sutherland

Keep the momentum going! Make a donation to Mr. Sutherland for his next project!

My Students

Our performing arts magnet serves students grades 6-8, the majority of whom are bussed to school every day from urban Los Angeles. I have been tasked with providing them with musical experiences that will rival those of the most affluent nearby communities, but our budget realities only serve to emphasize the difference between the "haves" and "have-nots."

There is evidence in my classrooms that my school once boasted a proud and vibrant music program, but many of our resources have reached the end of their practical lifespan or are missing altogether.

When I inherited the program in 2019, I play-tested and applied "band-aid" level repairs to our entire instrument inventory. While we are fortunate to have enough to get started, we are missing key items that are required for even the most basic of performances.

It is no secret that the COVID pandemic has taken its toll on education and the performing arts, perhaps harder than any other two institutions. I am hopeful that through our own fundraising and in partnership with the DonorsChoose community, we will be able to rise, heal and thrive through our ability to make music together.

My Project

The king of the middle school band woodwind section, the baritone saxophone ("Bari") is one of the most distinct and recognizable low voices in the entire band! How recognizable is it? It's the instrument that Lisa Simpson has played in every episode of "The Simpsons" since the show went mainstream in 1989!

The Bari is a big, special instrument and takes an incredibly dedicated student to play it.

The size of the case is bigger than many sixth-graders, and the instrument is HEAVY! Students who choose to play Bari need to be responsible for keeping both the instrument and themselves safe. Smaller saxophones are typically supported with a neck strap; I supply full torso harnesses for Bari players.

With the number of band students we serve, our program should have at least four baritone saxophones. Unfortunately, we currently have none. This limits our ability to play much of the concert band repertoire and means we are lacking an important solo voice in big band jazz. Please consider helping us get our program's first Bari!

Mr. Sutherland Marina Del Rey Middle School Grades 6-8

Equity Focus

At this school, more than 50% of students are Black, Latino, and/or Native American, and more than 50% come from low-income households. Learn how your donation to this school supports a more equitable education.

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

More about Mr. Sutherland

Los Angeles, CA View local requests

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

210 students impacted 38donors

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Expand the "Where your donation goes" section below to see exactly what Mr. Sutherland is requesting.

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
YBS-480 Intermediate Eb Baritone Saxophone • Woodwind and Brasswind $5,692.99 1 $5,692.99

Materials cost

$5,692.99

Vendor shipping charges

 FREE

Sales tax

 $520.91

3rd party payment processing fee

$85.39

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$6,329.29

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$1,116.93

Total project goal

$7,446.22

How we calculate what's needed

Total project goal

 $7,446.22

32 Donors

-$6,951.81

Donations toward project cost

-$5,925.54

Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$1,026.27

Matching donations from our partners

-$475.00

Match offers toward project cost

-$403.75

Match offers to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$71.25

Excluded support for DonorsChoose

-$19.41

Still needed View calculationHide calculation

 $0.00

Our team works hard to negotiate the best pricing and selections available.

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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mr. Sutherland and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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