During Winter Term, Mary Eliot Chapel was full of music that marched to a different sort of rhythm than usual. Each morning, the chapel was taken over by energetic fifth and sixth-grade students who had signed up for Middle & Upper School Band Teacher Bernard Berry’s Stomp Out Loud (Bang to the Beat) course. Calling all those with a knack for rhythm, the Middle Schoolers explored the exciting world of percussion, where they transformed ordinary objects into extraordinary instruments. From buckets and brooms to pipes and even their own bodies, these Rams learned how to create captivating sounds and beats, master rhythmic coordination, and sync beats and movements to craft spectacular performances. Additionally, they dove into the science of sound, discovering how vibrations and frequencies come together to make the music we love. They also worked in teams to create exciting group routines. What a great way to spend Winter Term—stomping, drumming, and rocking to new rhythms with fellow Rams!
Mr. Berry explained the genesis of this class: “I wanted students to experience rhythm and sound in a more immediate, physical, and creative way by using everyday objects. The main idea is that music is everywhere,” he says. “It’s about breaking down the barrier between ‘musician’ and ‘non-musician’ and showing that anyone can make meaningful music with curiosity, collaboration, and imagination. Stomp is about discovering that music isn’t limited to traditional instruments. It’s about listening, experimenting, and creating something meaningful together using the world around you.”
This is the third year that Mr. Berry has orchestrated this class. Each year, it evolves based on student interests and discoveries. “In 2026, we’ve placed a greater emphasis on student-led composition, layered ensemble textures, and more intentional reflection on how sound works. Students have more ownership in shaping performances from the ground up,” Mr. Berry notes.
His top goals for the course are that students develop confidence in their creativity, strengthen their ability to collaborate, and gain a deeper appreciation for rhythm and sound. He also wants them to leave with the understanding that music and creativity are accessible and can be found in everyday life, a goal that was achieved with Cooper Newman ’32, who shares, “I’ve learned that music is more than metal instruments and singing.” Newman chose this class out of curiosity, wondering what Stomp was. There’s no better way to find out than experiencing the class. [I love the] lesson it teaches, and the overall vibe of the class is absolutely amazing.”
In the two weeks of the Stomp class, the fifth and sixth-grade musicians worked with a variety of creative prompts, such as building grooves using only three sounds, creating contrast through texture and dynamics, and composing short pieces that tell a story without words. One of their first prompts was to bring an item from home that they used in class as an instrument. Beyond that, they were challenged to transform common classroom items into instruments, experiment with unconventional playing techniques, and discover multiple sounds from a single object. “The goal was exploration and rethinking what an ‘instrument’ can be,” Mr. Berry states. They also explored prompts focused on teamwork, like creating interlocking rhythmic parts that rely on listening and nonverbal communication.
Another main focus of the class is for students to learn how sound is produced through vibration and how pitch, volume, and timbre change based on size, material, and playing technique. “We talk about resonance, frequency, and how different surfaces amplify or dampen sound,” shares Mr. Berry. “These concepts come to life as students hear and feel the results of their choices in real time.”
Toward the end of Winter Term, this course culminates in an informal final performance where students share their original compositions. This performance is less about polish and more about process, celebrating creativity, teamwork, and risk-taking. The performance highlights how far they’ve come in a short amount of time.
Daniel Watanabe Soufen ’32 loved the class and recommends it to others. “If you like music, have a good amount of patience, and like acting and creating skits, then this class is great for you,” he says. “I, for example, love it!” He also says, “Mr. Berry is the best Stomp Out Loud teacher!!!”
Another student, Terrence Saddler ’33, also enjoyed the class and teacher. He was excited to learn about the different skits in Stomp and found it fun to see that you can use anything as an instrument. Terrence would recommend the course to others “because this is a class that I think everyone can enjoy! I would also like to share that Mr. Berry is a great teacher to learn from.”
Even for students who didn’t have band experience still had a fantastic time in this class. “I chose this class because I had never tried out anything band-related, and I had friends who did it last year and loved it,” details Aamani Mallady ’32. “The most exciting thing I learned was how to keep a beat going and also what a proper beat sounds like.”
“Stomp Out Loud embodies what Winter Term does best,” Mr. Berry reflects. “It gives students the space to explore, take creative risks, and engage deeply in a hands-on learning experience. It’s a reminder that some of the most powerful learning happens when students are given permission to experiment and play. Furthermore, what I enjoy most is watching students who may not identify as musicians gain confidence and realize their creative potential. Seeing students collaborate, problem solve, and take ownership of their ideas, often surprising themselves, is incredibly rewarding.”
A round of applause goes to these Stomp students and Mr. Berry for an unbeatable time creating such unique rhythms together!