By Micaiah Price
In the past four years, Louisville has had three music teachers: Mr. Luedtke, Ms. Smith, and now Ms. Rice. These three teachers have brought new elements to the plate and have shaped the kids participating. For middle and high school choir and band students, last year came with its struggles. This year provides everyone the chance for a new start as well as new opportunities.
For junior Holly Christiansen, the switch between last year and this year with Ms. Katheryn Rice has been a much needed relief.
“Last year, there wasn’t any structure to the band and I felt like it was always a bit chaotic. And so this year, I feel like it’s more structured. We are being more productive, and we are actually learning,” said Christiansen.
Rice has added a bit of backbone to the music department. For many student’s, she also adds something to look forward to. For senior Ollie Veenstra, choir is the middle ground for all different grades to come together, and she likes to think Rice’s arrival at the school has reunited students.
“I’m definitely not the socializing type, so my friend group is the friend group that I’ve always had. I tend to not venture out of my comfort zone, but when I’m with someone who is in choir, it’s so much easier. Some people don’t completely get along, but when we get in the choir room we are just one big team,” said Veenstra.
In senior Jacob Hrabik’s life, he has a slight sad feeling that he doesn’t have the opportunity to truly get to know Rice. For Hrabik, he only gets one year with Rice. However, the time he has gotten has been very meaningful to him. Band has shown him about his family within the school.
“Band is like a community. Personally, I don’t go to a bunch of volleyball, basketball, or football games, but pep band gives me an excuse to go. With pep band it’s really a great experience,” Hrabik said.
Rice has helped all of her students enjoy the band and choir experience with pep band, honor choirs, honor bands, All-State, and other extracurricular workshops. Along with these opportunities, Rice helps to support her students with their musical growth.
“I want to improve the students little by little. Part of my philosophy when it comes to teaching is we should always improve 1% every day. Over time, that improvement will slowly lead to a higher percentage,” said Rice.
Other students have claimed that Rice cares for their opinions. For Veenstra, Rice is a teacher that connects one on one.
“Ms. Rice always asks how we feel over new material. She actually focuses more on how we feel and our input towards what we’re learning,” said Veenstra.
For many students around the world, music is a big part of their lives. Little do these students, as well as the community around them, realize just how important music teachers are to the success of the group. Hearing optimistic words from students who have dealt with all types of struggles with the arts is truly a change and a testament to Rice’s impact on the students.