The Career Academy South Bend High School, operated by the Career Academy Network of Public Schools, serves as a leading, non-traditional pathways for students to explore experiential education to discover their calling. Among the various channels of education is its music department.
Career Academy South Bend’s instrumental music program, led by Director of Instrumental Music Alice Koehler, has seen remarkable growth and transformation over the past decade. What began as a modest ensemble with 25 to 30 kids with limited resources has blossomed into a vibrant program, involving over 180 students across a variety of ensembles including middle and high school bands, strings, jazz ensembles and the prestigious Tri-M® Music Honor Society.
“I always say there is music for everyone,” said Koehler. “We do not expect all of our kids to become music performance majors, but we want to encourage kids to be part of a group and to be challenged. We want to encourage those who maybe gave up on playing music and give chances to those who have never tried an instrument. We will help them, and we will make it happen.”
A stepping stone in the program’s success is its emphasis on inclusivity and flexibility. All students are encouraged to explore their musical talents by finding an instrument that piques their interest and joining an ensemble that best suits them. The program’s curriculum is designed to meet both the needs of returning and new students.
“I think the opportunity to play multiple instruments makes our program so unique,” said Senior Honesty Rossi. “When I started in a band, I played percussion. Then one day, I came in and decided I wanted to play the flute. Lots of schools will keep kids stuck with one instrument, but here it can be encouraged for students to make a switch or try multiple instruments.”
The supportive environment is made possible by providing over 150 school-owned instruments to ensure that financial limitations do not hinder the students’ musical journey. Students also have the option of bringing their own instruments. Once an instrument (or two) is chosen, students must play an active role in the classroom—which includes learning the basics, sight reading, reading rhythm sheets, and learning how to compose and play through the MuseScore program. Mentoring plays a crucial role in the program, with high school students like Rossi and Senior Allison Roggow taking on leadership roles to guide and support new and returning students alike.
“We recently took out a couple kids who are playing the flute, and we had the opportunity to teach them more of their notes,” said Roggow. “It is interesting to see students not know how to do it at first, and then all of a sudden, they realize they know how to play the flute.”
Mentorships foster a collaborative environment where students learn from each other while enhancing their musical and personal growth. For Rossi and Roggow – versed in violin, flute and, for Rossi, percussion and strings – the music program provides them the opportunity to hone their skills while being a beacon of insight for others. Experienced students interested in teaching assistant opportunities are also given additional course credit.
“One of the highlights of our program is that kids will always step it up,” said Koehler. “If we need something, the students will learn it. If we need someone’s role covered, students will step up and do what they can. Our mentorship is a testament to the success of our program because of our kids' willingness to help others during rehearsal.”
Community engagement is another catalyst that encourages students to get comfortable with their chosen instruments with on-stage performance and collaboration with their peers. Koehler works to assemble four concert bands, string orchestra, Jazz Ensemble and Pep Band. All band and string students are encouraged to participate in the Indiana State School Music Association Solo and Ensemble competitions. Career Academy also belongs to the Indiana State Music Educators Association for their solo and ensemble groups. Band students are encouraged to audition for Indiana Bandmasters Association for regional and district events.
The school takes pride in its honor bands and the students’ participation in the annual Cedar Point Music Festival. The school’s chapter within the Tri-M® Music Honor Society bestows select students with the prestigious honor. Students also have an abundance of opportunities to perform with other local groups in Michiana, like the South Bend Youth Symphony.
“We are all about using non-traditional methods and strategies to have a successful ensemble,” said Koehler. “A lot of high schools do not want to have students who have never played to perform. We are competitive and work very hard, but we also want everyone to feel welcomed.”
Koehler’s upcoming presentation at the Indiana Music Education Association Professional Development Conference in January 2025 will highlight Career Academy’s innovative use of non-traditional methods to achieve success in ensembles, and showcase the program’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of music education. For the remainder of the 2024-2025 academic year, the program exudes excitement for upcoming events, including special concerts and a summer band program.
“At the end of the year, we try to pick some pop fun,” said Koehler. “We are all going to play something from Michael Jackson, and strings will be doing some Coldplay. We love getting the audiences involved with all the genres. We also have a four-week summer program where even kids playing strings can come play percussion.”
For more information about Career Academy South Bend’s Instrumental Music Department, visit casbmusic.com.
