This year I received extra instruments to fill in the gaps as my school has grown and I didn't have enough to accommodate my large classes. These instruments will be used for years to come by countless Keenan Lions as they come through my music classroom as PreK-5th graders. Next year, more students will be using the new instruments as well. It's the gift that keeps on giving!
This year, I primarily used the ukuleles with my 5th graders. Without the extra ukuleles, I would've needed to revamp my ukulele curriculum to involve students sharing ukuleles because our classes have gotten so big that the 24 ukuleles I had was not enough. Additionally my Kindergarten and 1st grade friends got to use the finger cymbals, wood blocks, triangles, and guiros together. They were able to pass them around and get to play a different instrument many times instead of having to wait their turn. My favorite instruments that I got to introduce was the Boomwhackers to 2nd graders. I have had the Boomwhackers put away since "Covid times" due to sanitizing concerns and I didn't get them back out because I knew I didn't have enough to go around for my bigger classes. Due to receiving the grant, I chose to get them out and use the new ones with 2nd graders. These 2nd graders are at the perfect age to be introduced to melody instruments, instead of just rhythm instruments. The ooohs and aaahs when I showed them how to use the Boomwhackers and how they make their sound was so fun! They really enjoyed playing melodies together. Each class has to work together with each person having one instrument and when played at the right time, they can play familiar tunes and melodies. It was so nice to have enough for everyone to play together instead of having students wait their turn. It made music more enjoyable for everyone. I didn't think twice about getting instruments out because having enough for everyone together cuts down on class disruptions and behavior problems of students just waiting their turn. It has enhanced student engagement and fun in the music room. Probably the best part of this project is that it doesn't end with the 2022-2023 school year! My Keenan Lions will continue to use these instruments for countless years to come. Music can last forever!