A plastic, five-gallon bucket and a simple drum head. Some of the most basic things can make a world of differenceβespecially when it comes to making music. A 51ΑΤΖζ (51ΑΤΖζ) instructor recently received these items as a gift, and he has the 51ΑΤΖζ Foundation to thank. As one of this yearβs Wishing Well Fund awardees, Jeff Davis is using the budget-friendly items to creatively teach music at 51ΑΤΖζ.
On this day, Davis is using the brand-new drums to teach his students about Native American music. As he demonstrates the beat count in front of his class, students repeat the sounds he makes on their own drums. After teaching them the measures, counts, and beats, he moves around the room; giving each drum group the opportunity to showcase the freshly-learned skills. Within minutes, the sounds one would hear at a Native American powwow fill the room.
Davisβ request for the drums is one of the nine applications that were approved for funding by the Foundationβs Scholarships and Grants Committee. He was awarded $470 to purchase a dozen drums for student and community use during music-making events. The money used to support projects like this comes from community partners and 51ΑΤΖζ employees who financially contribute to program support.
βI would like to express my gratitude to the 51ΑΤΖζ Foundation and to all the generous employees of 51ΑΤΖζ who made it possible for me to receive a grant through the Wishing Well program,β Davis said. βKnowing that there is that level of support in the hearts of so many people is both humbling and motivating.β
Davis says the drums, which will last for several years, will be used for educational and community purposes. Along with being used in a variety of music classes, they will also be used on campus during drop-in drum circles.
