Tuning Into Talent at Brookland Middle School

The sounds of strings bounce off the halls and reverberate inside the orchestra room at Brookland Middle School. Music brings the building to life.

From the violins and violas to the cellos and basses, the students are concentrating closely on their music, finding the tune and the rhythm.

To others, it may seem like another class period, but for these students it's a place to show talent and grow confidence.

With the guidance and leadership of orchestra teacher, Kirsten Allegood, the orchestra program teaches students not only about notes but teamwork and patience allowing them to express themselves.

As a musician, Allegood loves teaching and working with children from all ages. She would’ve taught science if she could, but music was her passion because it was fun for her.

In orchestra, she loves how the students are dedicated to this program.

“The kids choose to be here. They put their everything into the program and it will give them life experiences,” said Allegood.

Allegood has taught many students throughout the years, from pre-k all the way up to college but enjoys middle school the most.

“With teaching middle school here, they are open and willing to make mistakes. They’re willing to develop and get better, they can change anything,” said Allegood.

Students like Angelina Karam, Sana Shah, and Luz Funes have expressed their enjoyment of being in the orchestra program.

Karam, Funes, and Shah all play the violin in the program and like how the instrument stands out to them.

“I play the violin and I think it’s cool because it can reach high notes that other instruments can’t,” said Karam.

Shah states, “I like playing the violin and I chose it because, to me, it sounds very classy.” 

Although the students enjoy playing and being in the program, it can also be nerve-racking at times. 

“I was very nervous when I joined at first because I’m learning something new and I have to play in front of strangers,” said Fuenes.

Karam adds, “I was kind of nervous because it pushes you to be outside of your comfort zone, especially performing in front of people and I’ve never performed until now.” 

Learning music is not all harmony. One of the biggest challenges students overcome is understanding their instruments.

“The hardest part of learning my instrument is getting my notes right and positioning my fingers,” said Shah. Karam adds she struggles with learning the tempo and rhythm. 

Funes also states how getting the notes right and using the bow correctly can be the hardest part of learning her instrument.

Despite these challenges, music education is very important for students and provides an escape for them.

“Music education provides an outlet and it reaches students that nothing else can. Even though they are learning music, they are learning social skills,” said Allegood.

In this orchestra, students learn not just social skills, but they also learn many other life skills.

“They definitely learn about responsibility. You see a huge growth with my beginners right away. You have to bring your materials and take care of them. You also see leadership and teamwork,” said Allegood. 

Funes, Karam, and Shah believe students who are unsure about joining should because it would be a great opportunity to learn something new.

“You should try something new, even if it seems out of your comfort zone. You never know what you want,” said Shah.

While learning how to play an instrument, students face challenges but gain confidence and stability. By supporting music in our schools, students have access to new opportunities that lead to stronger futures.