Campaign supported by Beaverton Education Foundation
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My name is Margie Phillips, and I teach music at Elmonica Elementary school in Beaverton, OR.
I am hoping for $625 to buy recorders for students who can't afford one or who don't have family support to buy one. Our school does not have the resources, so we need your help! This grant will allow all Elmonica students in grades 3-5 to take a recorder at their home for practice.
In my classes, children have been learning to play piano, guitar, ukulele, xylophones, and drums. The limitation with those instruments is that most kids do not have them at home, nor do they have the ability to get them, so there is no opportunity for further exploration and practice at outside of class. Without an instrument at home, it is very difficult to make progress, grow skills, and gain confidence. We can't buy expensive instruments for each child, and many kids' homes are too small for large instruments. Recorder is a great instrument because it is inexpensive, small, easy to transport, and tough plastic.
This week, I lent recorders to one fourth grade class to take home. The excitement and joy on their faces was heart-warming and surprising. I was amazed to see some kids (who have tough lives and cause disruptions) so excited about such a simple thing. One boy asked if he would still get to play if his mom couldn't buy him one. I told him not to worry, we were going to get him one to use. This is what we want for all kids!
Implementation
I will buy 250 recorders at $2.50 each from Peripole.
We are studying recorder in March, April, and May during. We will use the popular Recorder Karate method to generate excitement and pride and to ensure a steady progression. We will also be playing fun songs in assemblies and other performances.
We have approximately 110 fourth graders, 110 fifth graders, and 120 third graders (a total of 340 recorders). Many students already have recorders or can purchase their own. The 250 purchased with this grant will cover the large population of children who need support. We will lend recorders to students who need one, and with this number, it will be okay if a few are lost or not-returned.
With enough recorders, we may be able to reward students who show incredible dedication and commitment to practice; they could earn the right to keep a recorder. For example, each song they learn could be worth 25-cents. Ten songs would be enough to "pay" for the recorder. That's a lot, so not many would achieve the honor. Thus, this grant would cover us for many years.
Assessment
The Recorder Karate program uses colored “belts” to show how far each kid has progressed.
Recorders will be used for daytime and evening performances for parents and community (a direct visual and aural performance assessment for all).
Research
- “Why Every Kid in America Learns to Play the Recorder” by Dan Nosowitz, Atlas Obscura, 12/17/15
https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/why-every-kid-in-america-learns-to-play-the-recorder
This article goes over history of the instrument and its use in performance and teaching. Some reasons it says recorder is so good for kids is because the size is perfect for their hands and it matches the pitch of their voices. Recorder is easier to play than band instruments (mouth shape, care, etc.) but prepares them for playing others. It can be made cheaply and still sound like a real instrument, not a toy. Further, recorders are easy to transport and store.
- “The Hidden Benefits of Learning Recorder” by Jane Cavanagh, The Flute Teacher’s School, 4/11/2016.
https://www.thefluteteachersschool.com/blog/the-hidden-benefits-of-learning-recorder
Kids will learn complex coordination and develop their brains (i.e. get smarter). What you learn on recorder translates to other instruments, which is why Beaverton School District wants all elementary music teachers to instruct kids in playing recorder.
- “Naturally emerging self-regulated practice behaviors among highly successful beginning recorder students” by Sarah J. Bartolome, Research Studies in Music Education, 2009
This article raises questions about how students display self-regulation when practicing music. Learning how to practice music develops good habits and thinking patterns.
District Support
Our principal has informed staff that the district is in financial straits and that we are to have no absolutely unnecessary additional purchases.
Our PTO only allows a limited amount per classroom, so they aren't able to fund this.
Cost Summary
250 One Piece Soprano Recorders through Peripole
$2.50 each for $625 total
https://www.peripole.com/items/view/1021
I will pick up in Salem, OR to save shipping fees.
This project is supported by the Beaverton Education Foundation.
Founded in 1988, the Beaverton Education Foundation raises money to provide hands-on innovative academic enrichment and advancement programs & projects that go beyond normal school funding at all Beaverton public schools and is a 501(c)(3) community-based nonprofit organization. BEF mobilizes community resources to fund innovative classroom, summer and after-school programs.
In the event that this project does not reach its goal, BEF may apply the funds received to another project in need.
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