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Donor gives gift of music to MISD class

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By Kathy Thomson

Kim Davis teaches several elementary classes at Moran School, including math, science, and art, and she recently decided to branch out to include music in her art class.

“I had brought my son’s violin to science class when we were discussing sound, so my students could see and hear the strings vibrate,” Davis said. “The kids were enthralled with the instrument, and I realized that they may not have ever had the chance to learn to play music. I decided to see if I could add music, which after all is one of the fine arts, to our art class.”

Davis knew that MISD did not have instruments for students to play.

“I was trying to figure out if there was some way that I could add music to their lives, when I remembered Donors Choose,” Davis said. “I thought that maybe we could raise enough money to get some instruments before the next school year.”

Davis set up the fundraising page, selected specific instruments that she thought would be best for her beginning students, and created her wish list.

“Bring the Music!” Davis said. “Help me give my students basic music instruments such as guitar, percussion, and recorder and instructional methods I need to teach them.”

Included in her selections were a package of 25 soprano recorders, a percussion kit, a starter acoustic guitar, and some teaching books and DVDs.

Her supplies totaled $327.47. Adding the suggested contribution of $57 for website expenses, Davis was looking for $384.47.

“When I checked a few days later, I was shocked when I found out that I was fully funded,” Davis said. “I started crying right there in front of my students. We are all pretty excited.”

Davis said that the funds were given by an anonymous donor. 

Instruments were quickly ordered, and some have already arrived, including the guitar.

“If this is successful, maybe we’ll even be able to expand it in the future,” Davis said. 

Meantime, she is trying to determine where her students can learn to play the instruments without disrupting other classes.