My name is Nerissa Manela and I am the music teacher at two schools in Miami. I found out about your organization while researching some grants and wanted to reach out to tell you more about my music programs.

I work at Morningside K-8 Academy three days per week and Phillis Wheatley Elementary two days per week. Both schools are above 90% free and reduced lunch and support from parents and the community is sometimes limited. In my general music classes (with grades 2-5), I try to incorporate a variety of lessons including songwriting, movement, reading music notation, music listening, instrument playing, singing, and cross-curricular integration.

I am trained in Little Kids Rock method, which is a modern band and music teaching philosophy. I have been teaching with my modern band instruments (ukulele and keyboard) at Morningside, but I am not able to transport them between schools. I am hoping to start teaching a ukulele curriculum at Phillis Wheatley next year, and need 20 ukuleles to serve students in 2nd-5th grade.

I look forward to hearing from you and finding out how we can hopefully collaborate together.