Building Musical Foundations with Classroom Bell Sets

Moderation state
funded
Grant Applicant
Crystal Bailey
Grant Co-applicants
Claudia Waters
School Site
Donner Trail Elementary
Grant Category
Art/ Music
Grant Date
2026-06-09T12:00:00
Description

This grant requests funding for a set of classroom musical bells (hand bells) designed specifically for young learners. Each bell is color-coded and tuned to a specific pitch, allowing students to explore musical notes, patterns, and simple songs in an accessible and engaging way. The set will include a full octave (or more), song cards, and storage materials for organization and care.

These bells are developmentally appropriate for kindergarten students and provide a hands-on introduction to music concepts such as rhythm, pitch, tempo, and pattern recognition.

These particular 8 note bell set goes along with "Boomwhackers" that have the same color connected the note of the bell set. 

Benefits of Program

Musical bells offer a rich, multisensory learning experience that supports growth across multiple developmental domains:

  • Early Math and Patterning Skills: Students recognize sequences, patterns, and counting through music.
  • Auditory Discrimination: Playing and listening to different tones strengthens listening skills and sound differentiation.
  • Fine and Gross Motor Skills: Controlled hand movements help build coordination and motor planning.
  • Collaboration and Teamwork: Group music-making fosters cooperation, turn-taking, and shared responsibility.
  • Confidence and Self-Expression: Students gain confidence as they successfully play songs and experiment with sound.
  • Engagement and Joy in Learning: Music increases motivation and creates a positive classroom environment.
Success of Program

Anticipated Outcomes:

  • Improved ability to recognize and replicate patterns and sequences
  • Increased listening skills and ability to follow multi-step directions
  • Enhanced coordination and motor control
  • Greater participation and engagement during group activities
  • Development of foundational music skills (steady beat, pitch recognition)

Measurement Methods:

  • Teacher observation and anecdotal notes during music activities
  • Student performance of simple songs or patterns over time
  • Checklists for rhythm, participation, and ability to follow directions
  • Comparison of student growth in patterning and listening tasks
  • Student engagement levels during music-based centers or lessons
Implementation

The musical bells will be integrated into both whole-group instruction during our music block.

  • Bells will be introduced with clear expectations for handling and use
  • Students will participate in guided lessons to learn how to play simple songs using color-coded notes
  • Bells could be incorporated into daily or weekly routines, including calendar time, transitions, and thematic lessons.
  • The teacher will model proper technique and gradually release responsibility to students as they gain confidence
  • The 8-note set will be implemented alongside the Boomwhackers for a similar note. 
Can you share this grant with your grade level or subject team?

This grant can be used school wide TK through 5th Grade. 

Sustainability
The musical bell set is a durable, long-lasting resource that can be used year after year with proper care.
Bells are made from sturdy materials designed for classroom use
Storage systems will be used to keep bells organized and protected
Students will be explicitly taught expectations for care and handling
The bells can be used across multiple subjects (music, math, literacy), increasing their value
Materials can be shared with other classrooms or grade levels to extend their impact
Replacement needs are minimal, making this a cost-effective, sustainable investment
Amount Funded
$1309.00
Individual Budget Items(s)
$1209 - Rhythm Band Chroma-Notes 8-note Desk Bell Set
Shipping
$0.00
Taxes
$100.00
Other funding sources

I have not looked into others avenues for getting this grant funded. 

Supporting Links
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/cart.php
Notes

The amount entered above is for 22 total sets.