Cleveland High School senior Micah Peterson (above right) couldn’t have imagined when she made her first tentative blasts on her French horn back in 6th grade that it would end up garnering her a marching band scholarship in college.
“It’s a fact that the majority of people who are literate in music learn it in a school setting,” notes Cleveland Music Program director, Erik Hermanson, “and we are extremely fortunate to provide music instruction through our Cleveland school curricula.”
Hermanson identifies four key takeaways students receive through playing a musical instrument:
- Life is not only about quantitative results. Through studying an instrument, students learn about creating quality music — the best sounds they can muster for the sake of making music, as opposed to the best possible numerical outcome on a test.
- Our brains and bodies have incredible potential. We start with nothing and end with a set of concerts, competitions, and unbelievable skills.
- Embracing failure is life’s greatest skill. Human development is a result of responses to problems and failures. I help them through the tough beginnings of learning their instrument, and they continue to thrive from this if they continue studying year after year.
- Intelligence and talent are not inborn and can be increased. Talent is a function of acquired skills — not innate ability — and their achievement depends on long-term attitude and mindful practice.
Peterson learned tenacity through the music program which has helped her become a high-achieving musician and student, but, as Hermanson alluded to, it wasn’t always easy. Peterson reflected on her early years, “It was rough back then. I didn’t know what I was doing.”
Academically, Peterson feels her time in the music program has benefited her, as well. “I’ve really had to learn time management. You can’t practice an hour a day and fit in everything else you need to do, if you don’t do a good job of managing your time.” And Peterson should know about juggling a busy schedule. In addition to being active in a host of musical activities, she is involved in a number of clubs, basketball, FFA, the school yearbook, and many might recognize her from playing the lead role in the spring play.
Hermanson has high standards for his students, but they achieve to the level he expects of them, performing with leading artists in the Jazz industry, as well as making appearances at a number of regional and national contests.
Hermanson is especially proud of the community’s support, as reflected in the addition of a new band room in 2018 and a supportive parent organization. Peterson echoed her gratitude for the family’s support and making the music program accessible for students. “You can choose whatever instrument you want. Try something, and if you don’t like it after a while, try something else, but try to stick with it. If it doesn’t work out, there are fundraisers to help with the cost of instruments. They really help students out.”
As a senior who is preparing for her freshman year with a marching band scholarship with Culver-Stockton College in Missouri, Peterson recognizes her time in the music program is coming to a close. She reminisced on the concerts, early morning rehearsals, and opportunity to visit new places throughout the region and even Florida.
Peterson’s final words, while about the music program, had a tinge of a life lesson, as well. She encouraged younger students, “You can do it, if that’s what you want to do. Stick with it. In order to get better, keep practicing. If it’s something you really want to pursue, stick with it and it will happen.”
Director Erik Hermanson on the trombone during Pep Band.
In Christmas Jazz, Micah Peterson played the trumpet...
and sang too.