Mr. Virag's Classroom Edit display name

Current requests

Past projects 13

• Revitalize our Music! Help us Replace our Worn-out Gong Mallets

  Funded Feb 9, 2025

  We are so grateful for your generosity in supporting our project, Revitalize Our Music! Help Us Replace Our Worn-out Gong Mallets. Thanks to your kindness, our students now have the proper tools to bring depth and power to their performances.

  The new gong mallets have made a remarkable difference in our classroom. With improved quality and durability, they allow our students to produce a fuller, more resonant sound, elevating both rehearsals and performances. Whether adding dramatic emphasis to a concert piece or providing subtle texture in an ensemble, these mallets have revitalized our music and enhanced our students' experience.

  Your support has not only improved our instruments but has also inspired our students to perform with greater confidence and precision. Thank you for helping us create meaningful and memorable musical moments!”

  With gratitude,

  Mr. Virag

• Empowering Rhythm: Auxiliary Percussion for Dynamic Holiday Performances

  Funded Dec 20, 2024

  We are incredibly grateful for your generosity in supporting our project, Empowering Rhythm: Auxiliary Percussion for Dynamic Holiday Performances. Thanks to your donation, our classroom now has a richer, more vibrant musical experience with the addition of tambourines, castanets, and a cabasas.

  These new instruments have had an immediate and lasting impact on our students. They have enhanced our holiday performances by adding dynamic textures and rhythms, allowing our students to explore new sounds and express themselves in ways they never could before. Beyond performances, these instruments have improved our daily music activities, fostering creativity, collaboration, and a deeper understanding of percussion techniques.

  Your support has empowered our students to embrace the joy of music with greater confidence and enthusiasm. Thank you for making a difference in our classroom and helping us create unforgettable musical moments!”

  With gratitude,

  Mr. Virag

  This classroom project was brought to life by CFP Foundation and ESPN and 3 other donors.

• Empowering Rhythm: Auxiliary Percussion for Dynamic Holiday Performances

  Funded Dec 20, 2024

  We are incredibly grateful for your generosity in supporting our project, Empowering Rhythm: Auxiliary Percussion for Dynamic Holiday Performances. Thanks to your donation, our classroom now has a richer, more vibrant musical experience with the addition of tambourines, castanets, and a cabasas.

  These new instruments have had an immediate and lasting impact on our students. They have enhanced our holiday performances by adding dynamic textures and rhythms, allowing our students to explore new sounds and express themselves in ways they never could before. Beyond performances, these instruments have improved our daily music activities, fostering creativity, collaboration, and a deeper understanding of percussion techniques.

  Your support has empowered our students to embrace the joy of music with greater confidence and enthusiasm. Thank you for making a difference in our classroom and helping us create unforgettable musical moments!”

  With gratitude,

  Mr. Virag

  This classroom project was brought to life by CFP Foundation and ESPN.

• "Harmonize Our Learning: Bring Tranquility with New Wind Chimes!"

  Funded Apr 19, 2024

  We are incredibly grateful for your generous contribution to our project, "Harmonize Our Learning: Bring Tranquility with New Wind Chimes!" Your support made a significant difference in our spring concert, especially in our performance of "Choose Joy". The new wind chimes added a beautiful layer of tranquility and emotion to the piece, elevating it in ways we couldn't have imagined.

  Our students were thrilled to incorporate this new instrument into their repertoire, and it truly brought a sense of accomplishment to our ensemble. The chimes not only enhanced the overall sound but also enriched the students' understanding of dynamics and expression in music.

  Thank you for helping us create a performance that was both memorable and meaningful. Your kindness has resonated not just in our music but also in the students who see how giving can impact so many.

  With sincere gratitude,

  Gavin Virag

  Director of Bands

  Apollo-Ridge School District”

  With gratitude,

  Mr. Virag

  This classroom project was brought to life by Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation and 7 other donors.

• Striking Rhythms: Empower Triangle and Auxiliary Percussionists with Your Generosity!

  Funded Feb 18, 2024

  Thanks to your generous support, our band program has been greatly im[proved by the addition of new Flexatones, bass drum mallets, and triangles. These essential percussion instruments have not only expanded the capabilities of our ensemble but have also ignited a newfound passion for rhythm and expression among our students.

  When our students first saw the new instruments, their eyes lit up with excitement. They eagerly gathered around to explore the unique sounds each instrument produced, marveling at the versatility and potential they offered.

  With these new resources, our students have been able to enhance the richness and complexity of our music. They have been experimenting with different rhythms and dynamics, using the Flexatones, bass drum mallets, and triangles to add depth and texture to our repertoire. These instruments have become integral components of our sound, elevating our performances to new heights and our captivating audiences.

  Looking ahead, our students are eager to continue exploring the possibilities of these new instruments. They are already collaborating on innovative compositions and arrangements, excited to showcase the full potential of the Flexatones, bass drum mallets, and triangles in our upcoming performances. With your support, we will continue to foster a culture of creativity and excellence in our band program, ensuring that every beat resonates with precision and passion.

  Once again, we cannot thank you enough for your generosity and support. Your donation has made a profound impact on our students' musical journey, and we are grateful beyond words for your contribution to the future of percussion in our band program.”

  With gratitude,

  Mr. Virag

• "Resonate with Rhythm: Tuning in to New Drum Heads"

  Funded Nov 2, 2023

  I am thrilled to share the incredible impact your support has had on our dedicated group of students through our project to acquire new snares and marching cymbal straps. Your generosity has truly elevated their musical education and created a sense of pride and unity within the group.

  The new straps have become essential tools that have transformed our percussion ensemble's rehearsals and performances. One specific project that highlights the impact of these resources is our the new sounds created when we have working cymbals. With the new straps, our students can now achieve a level of precision synchronization and sound quality that was previously challenging. This has elevated the quality of our performances, allowing our students to showcase their talents with newfound confidence and skill.

  The students' reactions were a blend of excitement and gratitude when they first saw the new straps. They immediately recognized the significance of these tools in enhancing their musical experience. The straps not only serve a functional purpose but also symbolize a commitment to excellence and a shared passion for percussion. The pride on their faces was palpable, knowing that they now had the best equipment to support their musical endeavors.

  Our current focus is on expanding our repertoire and exploring innovative ways to incorporate percussion into different genres of music. The enhanced capabilities provided by the new straps have inspired us to take on more complex and challenging pieces.

  Your contribution has laid the foundation for these exciting next steps, allowing our students to continue pushing the boundaries of their musical abilities and making a lasting impact on our community.

  In conclusion, your support has not only provided essential tools for our students but has also fueled their passion for percussion and community involvement. Your generosity is inspiring a new generation of musicians to strive for excellence and share the transformative power of music. Thank you for being a crucial part of our journey.”

  With gratitude,

  Mr. Virag

• RhythmicGrip, Taking Our Music to the Community

  Funded Nov 10, 2023

  I am thrilled to update you on the incredible impact your generous contributions have made on our students and their musical journey. Thanks to your support, we were able to acquire new drum heads, transforming the learning experience for our students.

  The new drum heads have allowed us to embark on exciting pieces that showcase the talent and creativity of our students. One specific project that stands out is our rhythm exploration initiative. With the improved sound quality, students have been able to delve into intricate rhythmic patterns, enhancing their understanding of musical expression. The precise practice enabled by the durable drum heads has elevated their skills and confidence to new heights.

  The students' reactions were nothing short of pure joy and excitement when they laid eyes on the new drum heads. The crisp and clear sound produced by the drums immediately captured their attention, and their faces lit up with enthusiasm. It was a moment of realization for them, recognizing that they now had the tools to create music with unparalleled quality.

  Our current focus is on expanding the student's repertoire and exploring diverse musical genres. The improved drum heads have opened up avenues for us to introduce new rhythms and styles, broadening the students' musical horizons. We are working on a performance for the spring that will not only showcase their technical skills but also highlight their improvement as musicians.

  The impact of the new drum heads on our students' learning is profound. The crisp and clear sound quality enhances their understanding of rhythm and expression, contributing to their musical excellence. The durability of the drum heads allows for precise practice, fostering the development of skills that will last a lifetime. Your investment in quality equipment has instilled a sense of belief in our students, igniting their dedication and passion for music.

  In conclusion, this project has provided our students with the opportunity to flourish in the world of music. Your support has empowered them to reach new heights in their musical journeys, allowing them to express themselves through the power of rhythm and melody. Thank you for being an integral part of our students' musical aspirations.”

  With gratitude,

  Mr. Virag