Got a knack for rhythm? Can’t resist tapping your fingers or moving to a beat? In the Winter Term course, STOMP, middle schoolers turned everyday items into musical magic. Students explored the booming world of percussion, where they transformed ordinary objects into extraordinary instruments. From buckets and brooms to pipes and even their own bodies, they learned how to create captivating sounds and beats.
Led by Middle School Music Teacher Bernard Berry, students mastered rhythmic coordination, syncing beats and movements to craft spectacular performances. But that’s not all–they dove into the science of sound, learning how vibrations and frequencies come together to make the music we love.
Students also experimented with different materials to uncover unique sounds while working in teams to create engaging group routines. Berry said, „For the skits and routines, students worked to incorporate rhythm with a visual story and the end goal of having it sound like a song.“ One group chose a rhythmic battle scene with poles, trash can lids, and five-gallon buckets. Another chose a choreographed number that incorporated drumsticks, chairs, and the rhythmic bounce of a basketball.
Several students offered reflections on the process:
„I chose this class because it looked like it would be fun to try. I enjoyed working with my friends and others. I liked seeing different instruments and how they work. Finding a rhythm to match each other’s was hard!“ – Kennedy Cupp-Enyard ’32
„I really like music, and I listen to it a lot. I liked how [in this class] you can play music without actual instruments. I liked that we got to make our parts, put them together, and make them sound good for other people. It’s challenging when everyone has different ideas, and then you compromise.“ – Eli Taylor ’31
I didn’t know what to expect when I signed up for the class, but I enjoyed finding different ways to make music without instruments and things you wouldn’t normally use. Working together with everyone and different instruments was challenging.“ – Stella Reding ’32
„I enjoyed this course because it taught me how to make music and rhythms out of things I normally wouldn’t. Last year, I took the class and really liked Mr. Berry as a teacher. What I found challenging was working with the team and communicating. When you’re trying to make music together, it can be pretty frustrating, but it can also teach you more about teamwork. I loved making music with my friends.“ – Brandon Jewett ’31
„I enjoyed learning how you can make anything into music. I tried out a bucket upside down, a trash can lid, pencils, and landed on tapping drumsticks together.“ – Brooklyn Maurer ’32
„This is my first time taking this class. I like playing with instruments and thought it would be a fun way to make music. I also liked how creative we could be and how we could make our own skits. I found it challenging to work on a team because you have to listen to everybody but also make a good piece.“ – Evan Smith ’31
Through the STOMP experience, students not only developed musical skills but also learned valuable lessons in collaboration, problem-solving, and the joy of creative expression.