MADISON, Ala. — For one teacher's classroom in the City of Madison, music is where the magic happens! In fact, this teacher believes middle school is where band students get that first spark.
Here's our Valley's Top Teacher from Discovery Middle School, Jenney Merritt!
Merritt has been a band director for twelve years, and for nine years she’s orchestrated a band of middle school students.
“Discovery is just the best of the best, and I’m excited that I’lI be getting to work here every day,” Merritt said.
Merritt believes middle school is where the magic happens. "Well, middle school students, especially in band, you get to catch them when they first get that spark and that love for playing an instrument.”
Her spark for band began for her while in school also. “When I was young, my father passed. It really meant everything to me to have a community, to have a family, to have this really fun activity to be a part of. It also taught me a lot.”
Band is a fun activity that she takes on the road. In past years, Merritt’s students have taken their talents to the home of the most happiest place on earth, Orlando.
“It’s just so much fun to see the kids having a blast, but also really impressing people because they’re really good. Band and choir is really impressive,” Merritt said.
“It’s very, very neat as the principal here to get to see this award and know she works so hard every day and deserves it so much,” her Principal, Jamie Hill added.
Merritt knows playing music may not be forever. “Even if the kids don’t continue in it, many of mine do. But even if they don't, they really always get to see a little bit of growth and you get to see that spark at some point.”
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[WEB EXTRA: JENNEY MERRITT SURPRISE]
