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Frederic Bacon-Shone Memorial, 711 S Mentor Avenue, Pasadena, CA (2026)

03/22/2026

What happens when music is pleasant for some, but problematic for others? Time to help out with creative solutions! Mr. Vilozny's enthusiastic student drummers were creating a bit too much noise for their school neighbors, so we partnered with DonorsChoose and 12 others, including W. Kamau Bell's Big Student Surprise, to provide a class set of drum pads for his students at Gault Elementary School in Santa Cruz. Now, everyone's enjoying the music! Thanks for helping bring this project to life.

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Dear Frederic Bacon-Shone Memorial Fund,

Thank you for supporting music education in public schools! I asked for practice drum pads and drum sticks for so my students could practice at a safe and comfortable volume level.

We love drumming in music class, but our classroom is right in the center of the main building. This makes it is too loud for all of the kids to drum together at the same time. With a class set of drum practice pads and drum sticks, we can all practice rhythms together at a reasonable volume so it is not too loud for either the kids or the adjacent classrooms.

A giant thank-you from all our students, and from me, for contributing to our music class percussion Donors Choose project. The full class set of drumsticks and drum-pads arrived at our school over the holiday break - just in time to start our new drum unit. For our first day of classes back from break, we unboxed the sticks and drum pads. The students were so excited! We have been using the pads and sticks in every class from grades 2-5 so far in this new year and the students are loving it. My neighboring teachers are so appreciative of these drum pads because they are quiet enough when I close my doors that the practice pad drumming does not disturb the other classes.

Your kindness will reach thousands of diverse elementary students through the years. Students will be able to play more instruments and experience more music-making as a result of your action. Thank you!

With gratitude,
Mr. Vilozny

03/15/2026

Music makes every lesson better! When Mr. Catrina asked to "harmonize democracy" by requesting a keyboard to support his social studies courses at Dos Palos High School in the San Joaquin Valley, we happily pitched in along with DonorsChoose, the Gates Foundation, the Bezos Family Foundation, and the Chuck Lorre Family Foundation to help make Mr. Catrina's vision a reality. Mr. Catrina describes his inspirational project so well - please read his note below to learn how this new keyboard is transforming his students' learning. Thank you for your support!

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Dear Frederic Bacon-Shone Memorial Fund,

I'm Mr. Catrina, a teacher with 25 years of experience! I believe in engaging both hemispheres of the brain to enhance learning.
By integrating music into my teaching, I aim to enrich my classroom activities and lectures.

I requested a piano keyboard to help make my lessons in US Government, Economics, Philosophy, and Ethnic Studies more engaging and interactive. Music is a powerful tool that taps into multiple intelligences and boosts student engagement.

A piano keyboard in the classroom helps me enhance lectures, making them more interactive; promote creativity by allowing students to incorporate music into their projects; and stimulate learning by helping students grasp complex concepts through musical elements.

I’ve previously used music through online zoom sessions during the pandemic, and the feedback was incredibly positive. Students were more engaged and understood complex ideas better. The keyboard will make lessons more dynamic and cater to diverse learning styles with multisensory experiences. Your support not only enhances my teaching capabilities, but also greatly benefits my students by providing them with a more engaging and comprehensive learning experience.

Thank you for contributing to "Melodies of Democracy: Harmonizing Social Studies with Music." This will begin some new ideas I have that I think will enhance student learning in my various classes. I will endeavor to use this donated item to the best of my ability.

Thank you for helping my students by being a part of education in a rural environment. This new keyboard will go towards making learning more equitable for all learning modalities. Thank you for your sacrificial giving.

With gratitude,
Mr. Catrina

02/26/2026

Even the most expensive instruments and most experienced players need quality supplies to sound their best. That's why we partnered with DonorsChoose, the Gates Foundation, and the Chuck Lorre Family Foundation to provide new strings and instruction books to Mr. Gonzalez's mariachi program at James A. Garfield Senior High School in Los Angeles. These simple tools have transformed students' experience as they learn guitarron and vihuela. Read all about it below!

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Dear Frederic Bacon-Shone Memorial Fund,

My students are hungry to learn music that represents their culture and heritage. Due to the lack of instruments, we have to share. Help me increase the number of students who want to learn Guitarron and Vihuela with these additional supplies. This will help me reach more students by providing a proper mariachi education after school.

Your donation is greatly appreciated and will be put to great use. My students do not have the resources to seek out private instruction. This project helps provide students with a positive experience and supports their musical curiosity. My students and I are excited to continue our venture as mariachi musicians and ready to represent our culture.

When our new strings and instruction books arrived, it honestly felt like a fresh start for our mariachi classroom. Many of my students had been practicing on worn or mismatched strings, so being able to replace them immediately improved tuning, tone quality, and overall confidence. The first day we installed the strings together became a lesson in itself — students learned proper stringing technique, instrument care, and why sound quality matters. When they played their first scales afterward, several students looked up and said, "That sounds way better!" — and it truly did.

We are now actively using the instruction books during sectional rehearsals. Students are working through technique exercises and applying them directly to our current repertoire. One moment that stood out was watching a newer player successfully complete a shifting exercise from the book and then perform the same passage correctly in a song we're preparing — something they had struggled with before.

Our next step is to continue building technique and ensemble precision as we prepare for upcoming performances and festival participation. Students are setting weekly skill goals using the books and tracking their progress. These resources are not just supplies — they are tools that are helping my students grow as musicians and take pride in their progress. Your support is directly shaping their musical journey.

Thank you very much for your generosity. My students will be better equipped to fulfill their musical potential by having the necessary tools to move forward. Their passion for music is what is the driving force to my teaching and that can't happen without the help of people like you.

With gratitude,
Mr. Gonzalez

02/25/2026

We love the creativity of Mr. Bennett's "STEAM" project at Robert Fulton College Preparatory in Van Nuys. Building their own PVC-pipe instrument by carefully calculating and measuring each tuned tube, then learning to play their new creation is such a cool way for kids to learn how music and math fit together in practical and fun ways. We were excited to partner with DonorsChoose, United and the Chuck Lorre Family Foundation to bring this vision to life!

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Dear Frederic Bacon-Shone Memorial Fund,

Thank you so much for giving my students supplies to learn, build, and play their own instruments!

My Student-Built Musical Instrument project teaches students about the math and science of music. Incorporating algebra, science, and engineering, the students are taught how sound and musical pitch works. Students, in small groups, use algebra to calculate the frequencies of musical notes on a 4-octave scale. Students then calculate the length and size of tubing required to produce a given frequency or pitch. Students then assemble pieces of PVC tubing such that each individual tube will produce a given frequency/pitch when struck by a paddle. The group-built tubes are connected together, making a single instrument. (The instrument resembles a sort of marimba made of tubes.) Each student gets a chance to accurately tune each tube and then is taught to play the instrument. Students are encouraged (but not required) to play a piece of music of their choosing, in a recital-style performance for their fellow students and parents.

I can't believe it; thank you so very much. I am so excited that this project was funded. The kids are going to have a blast, and it is all because of you! You are simply incredible!

With gratitude,
Mr. Bennett

02/08/2026

Here are some pictures from one of our 2025-2026 direct grant winners, Ms. Ichikawa-Masi, who requested a handpan for her 3rd-grade classroom at Lake Balboa College Preparatory Magnet K-12 PTSA. She wrote:

"What I love most is that there are no “wrong” notes on a handpan, so every single one of my students can create something beautiful. They’ll feel the vibrations, hear how different rhythms affect their mood, and discover that they have the power to calm themselves through music. This will transform their learning because instead of just talking about self-regulation, they’ll actually experience it.
My goal is to introduce my students to handpan music and help them discover that they can use creative practices like music and rhythm for self-regulation and calm."

Such a beautiful project! As one of our board members commented, "We would all be better adults if a teacher had taught us mindfulness as children.”

Here are pictures of the students exploring the handpan we provided. Thank you, Ms. Ichikawa-Masi, for inspiring the next generation through music!

02/07/2026

Mr. Dennis Boyle is one of our direct-grant recipients who found us through our partnership with DonorsChoose. We love seeing all the inspirational work he does with his young musicians at Ramon Garza Elementary School! We recently partnered with DonorsChoose, the Chuck Lorre Family Foundation, and the Gates Foundation to provide music stands for Mr. Boyle's students. No more weird contorted positions, trying to see music falling off a chair. Thanks for investing in these students!

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Dear Frederic Bacon-Shone Memorial Fund,

My project requested additional music stands for our growing music department.

These music stands provide our students with an organized and professional setup for their practice and performances. The stands improve their posture, reading skills, and overall efficiency during rehearsals, allowing them to focus more on their musical development. And the stands enhance the quality of our music program by ensuring each student has the necessary tools for success.

Our students are special because of their passion, creativity, and diverse backgrounds. They bring unique talents and perspectives to our music classroom, and their dedication to learning and performing is truly inspiring. Your support helps unlock their potential and fosters a lifelong love for music. By providing them music stands, we aim to create a conducive learning environment that promotes discipline, teamwork, and a deeper appreciation for music.

Thank you so much for supporting the music program at Garza Elementary! Because of your generous donation, we now have more music stands for our students to use during class and performances. This has made it much easier for everyone to have their own stand and follow along with the music. The students feel more confident and focused thanks to your support.

We also received a brand-new music stand rack, which helps us stay organized and take better care of our materials. It has made clean-up faster and helped keep our music room neat and safe. Your kindness means so much to us, and we are so grateful for the way you have helped our young musicians grow.

Thank you for your generous contributions to our elementary instrumental music classroom. Your support will significantly enhance our program, allowing more students to participate and explore their musical talents. Your impact will resonate through the melodies they create and the joy they experience. We are deeply grateful for your kindness. Thank you for making a difference at Garza Elementary!

With gratitude,
Mr. Boyle

01/18/2026

Since the devastation of the Palisades Fire, an outpouring of assistance has helped those affected rebuild their lives. Earlier this year, we partnered with DonorsChoose, Google and others to help Ms. Cheng's class rebuild their musical theater and main stage programs at Palisades Charter High School. Read more below!

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Dear Frederic Bacon-Shone Memorial Fund,

Our high school is well known for its main stage productions, including musical theatre. We sell out seats regularly for every show, even right after the Palisades Fire. In the Palisades Fire, we lost not only our place to act, but also the stage set and safety supplies that we had in the school that had been built up over many years.

All of those supplies we relied on were gone, and we had to start over. Your help was critical to make this musical season the best it can be. We have so many talented students find their place of belonging in the VAPA program, and we want to give them a place to share it with the world. Our students can do so much more if we can provide them with the stage set and safety tools to be successful.

Thank you so much for supporting the musical theater project. We are thrilled that it was funded. Students in theater tech were very excited to receive supplies like spike tape to help mark the stage for shows. It truly takes a village to bring a show together, and you have become part of that village. Pali High productions are a collaborative effort and rely heavily on basic supplies that you helped us recover after the fires. The shows mean so much to the students that they are always asking what the next one will be, even before school starts!

Thank you again for supporting the arts and the next generation of performers. We need supporters like you to remind us that the arts are important and arts education should be accessible to everyone regardless of financial background. We know our students deserve the world. Thank you for showing us that you agree. This will help us get back on track with singing, dancing, and acting on the stage - fingers crossed - in our own theatre. We couldn’t do it without you!

With gratitude,
Ms. Cheng

01/11/2026

Many of us are familiar with recorder class as an introduction to music, but how many kids get a class set of harmonicas to play? Such a great idea from Mr. Hanna. We were excited to partner with Sonic Drive-In Foundation, the Gates Foundation, and several others to provide Fender Blues deluxe harmonicas to his 4th-grade students at Rocketship Mateo Sheedy Elementary in San Jose. The students had a blast! Read more from the teacher below. Thanks for inspiring kids through music!

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Dear Frederic Bacon-Shone Memorial Fund,

My students are a fun bunch of 4th graders who come to school every day ready to learn and eager to participate in all of our classroom activities. One of the things I appreciate about my students the most is their willingness to try out anything I throw at them, even if it might be new and/or uncomfortable. As a school that serves mainly a low-income population, we do not have much in the way of extracurricular activities.

I wanted to provide my students with the chance to take part in learning how to play an instrument that they might not be familiar with in order to foster a love of music and expand their musical knowledge and appreciation.

Your generous donations have paid off! I cannot thank you enough for your kindness and generosity through donating to my project. My students are so excited. They are having a ton of fun experimenting with their harmonicas! Again, thank you so much!

With gratitude,
Mr. Hanna

01/07/2026

Learning to play an instrument is difficult enough without the added challenge of an instrument too big for your body. That's why we partnered with DonorsChoose, Lighthouse bp, and others to provide ¾ and ½-size classical guitars for Mr. Green's Modern Band classes at Luther Burbank High in Sacramento. Students' learning has really taken off, now that they're using appropriately-sized instruments. Read more from the teacher below. Thanks for helping this project come to life!

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Dear Frederic Bacon-Shone Memorial Fund,

Students come in all sizes. So do guitars. Before we started the school year, though, we didn't have enough guitars for our smaller-sized students. Trying to fret or even hold a guitar that is too big can make playing guitar much more difficult and frustrating than it needs to be. Having access to an instrument that is more proportionate to a student's body size allows those students to progress much faster with much less unnecessary frustration.

Thank you so much for helping me provide appropriately-sized instruments for my amazing students!! I am so excited to be able to give them the opportunity to play instruments that are more proportionate to them. We received a pair of ¾-size and a pair of ½-size classical guitars, along with storage bags. Four of the 6 classes I teach include guitar, so many students each day benefit from these guitars.

The guitars that you helped provide for my students are being used daily. I have about 25 more students than I had last year, so we need every guitar we can get. The smaller-sized guitars are a big hit and they are definitely making it easier for students with smaller hands to learn and to play. Playing correctly-sized instruments makes playing much more enjoyable and increases learning and progress.

It means the world to me to know that there are people like yourselves who are willing to support music education. I believe that music makes the world better and makes people better. I want to thank you again for your willingness to donate. Know that your donations are making a difference! Thank you for making this happen for my amazing music students!

With gratitude,
Mr. Green

12/31/2025

This is a wonderfully insightful project from Ms. Chavez, who realized some of her music students felt discomfort from the intensity of the sounds they created, and sought accommodations to ensure music was accessible to her whole class. We gladly partnered with DonorsChoose to provide her students at King Elementary School, SAUSD earplugs and noise-cancelling headphones. Now all the students can enjoy music class! Read more from the teacher below.

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Dear Frederic Bacon-Shone Memorial Fund,

I have wonderful students who come in excited about music. But this year, I noticed some students who feel uncomfortable in music class. After talking to them, I learned that the loud sounds from drums, Boomwhackers, xylophones, and other instruments make their ears hurt. I brought in some noise-reducing headphones to help the students with sound sensitivities, but there weren't enough for all of the students in each music class who then wanted to use them, so I requested earplugs and additional headphones to give all my students an enjoyable learning experience.

Thank you so much for the kindness shown to my students. This hearing protection will make sure that all students are able to enjoy music class without feeling uncomfortable. Every single student should be able to feel safe and welcome in music class regardless of unique abilities. This will go a long way.

There are students in every single one of my classes that use this type of hearing protection that was donated from this project. It has greatly helped with classroom behaviors because students are focused instead of distracted due to the noise. In addition, I am able to get through my lessons faster without disruptions. It has also encouraged neurodivergent students to stay in music class for a longer time period. I am incredibly thankful for your support.

With gratitude,
Ms. Chavez

12/30/2025

Here's another dedicated teacher building a brand-new music program from scratch! Band students need band music, so we partnered with DonorsChoose, the Gates Foundation, and others to provide sheet music for Mr. Mabry's new band programs at Leroy Greene Academy middle school in Sacramento. Here's more from the teacher on the impact of your donations!

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Dear Frederic Bacon-Shone Memorial Fund,

Can't have a band without songs! Thank you for helping me give my students a foundation to a basic beginning band library.

I wanted to start a band at my new school. They had music classes during the day before, but never a band that continued to grow semester after semester, year after year. Since the school is a 6-12 school, I wanted to build foundations for us to not only be a 6-8 band program, but also a high school band program as well. In order to do this, I needed to establish a basic band library of wind band curriculum, starting with some quality grade one concert works before expanding the library up to grade three pieces.

Thank you for your kind donation that led to the purchase of four grade one level band pieces for our band classes and new Band Club. We are starting a band from scratch here! We need a wind band music library in order to be able to learn new music each quarter and play full band repertoire at our concerts. After almost a full semester, we have almost filled an entire cabinet drawer halfway with band music. I couldn't have done this without you. My students and I are very grateful for all you do to support music education and to support programs such as ours.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

With gratitude,
Mr. Mabry

Frederic Bacon-Shone Memorial

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