How Bernard Berry Teaches the Whole Student
Before the halls filled with students for the start of the school year, our faculty and staff gathered for our opening welcome meeting. Prior to the event, Head of School Chelle Wabrek asked our team to reflect on two fundamental questions: Why this work? And why here at MICDS? Here is what Bernard Berry, Middle & Upper School Band Teacher, shared about his journey and purpose.
When people ask, “my why,” I teach, the easiest answer is because I love music. And I do. Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. But the longer I’ve taught, the more I’ve realized that music isn’t actually “my why.” It’s the tool I get to use every day. “My why” is the students.
Every day, I have the privilege of watching young people walk into the band room. They each bring something different with them: their talents, their personalities, their hopes, and sometimes their doubts. Some students come in confident, while others aren’t sure they belong or wonder if they’re good enough. My goal is to make sure every student leaves knowing that they do.
The notes and rhythms we learn and play and the concerts we perform are important, but they are not the most important thing. What matters most is the confidence students gain when they accomplish something they once thought was impossible; it’s the friendships they build while working toward a common goal; it’s learning resilience after making mistakes, discipline through practice, and empathy by listening to and supporting one another. Those are lessons that extend far beyond the band room. One of the things I value most about MICDS is that we are committed to educating the whole person. We are not just helping students become better musicians; we’re helping them become thoughtful, compassionate, resilient people who are prepared for whatever comes next.
If years from now, a former student can’t remember every piece we perform, that’s OK. But if they remember that they were encouraged, challenged, believed in, and that they belonged, then I’ll know I accomplished what I set out to do. That’s why I teach.
