Elementary School Mandolin Program

[Tim C.]

Hi Folks!

I teach general music full-time in a public elementary school in Portland, OR (and I'm a mando-maniac on the side - hello to all Mandolin Symposium friends!!!).

General music is the one where the whole class comes in once a week for singing, dancing, rhythm instruments, music appreciation, etc... I teach every kid in school (@ 500 total).

I have pretty free reign here as far as what I teach, and what I really want to do is teach mandolin to every kid, every week and to build it into a school-wide mandolin orchestra. The only thing standing between me and this goal is getting 30 mandolins into my classroom (30 is the size of my biggest class). Any donations, tips on cheap but playable mandos or grants out there is much appreciated. Please pass on this message and my email to anyone in a position to help.

Tim Connell
connman1971@yahoo.com

[mad dawg]

Hmmm... I wonder if we can get 30 people here to buy IV kits and build them for you? That way we get practice building, and you get your mandolin orchestra. (I'm game to donate the kit cost and my time for one, but I'll need to run this idea by my better half before I commit.)

BTW, where do you teach? My wife and I have been talking about looking into moving up the coast to Portland, and our first child was just born this month. Also, do you have any suggestions for web sites to learn more about Portland than we know from our visits there?

[jaydee]

Hi Tim, I'm a music ed student right now, and I'm interested in using folk/traditional instruments in elementary ed. Specifically mandolins and fiddles. Things that are small and high pitched like the kids who I hope will play them. I'd love to get a chance to email back and forth with you about this. Unfortunately, I'm a student and have nothing to give but support, so I can't help with you instrument project other than to suggest that you try to contact some of the larger manufacturers and see what they may may be willing to donate. Tell them that you're making tomorrows mandolin players. You are after all: and who could resist that notion. Or try some big retailers, you never know.
Good Luck, and please shot me an e-mail when you get a chance.

Jeremy Darrow
MAT candidate
University of the Arts
Philadelphia PA
jeremy_darrow@hotmail.com