By Jolene Farley
Music Instructor Brent Steinert took on the struggling instrumental music and secondary vocal music programs in Hill-Beaver Creek schools last fall.
Steinert teaches a mixed choir group with 24 students. This includes seventh- and eighth-grade music (a general music appreciation course with performances), the high school band with 16 students and junior high band with 25 students.
"It's going very well. There's a lot of improvement and a lot of talent," Steinert said.
Along with plenty of talent, Steinert said there is never a lack of work to do on the program.
"There are 80 kids in music, and each of them has their own music," he said. "My goal for them would be that they learn how to share that (music) in an enjoyable, fun and rewarding way."
A perfect music program for Steinert would include a "program where each musician is allowed to express their music ... to know they performed a song and expressed it. They said what they wanted to say."
He said he has heard nothing but good comments from parents about his teaching, and he appreciates the feedback.
He is looking forward to further improvements in the programs and eventually hopes to start an audition group to perform jazz music.
"My hope is that kids see they can be involved," he said.
"A lot of small steps make a journey, and we are looking at an excellent journey ... I expect to see some outstanding musicians come out of H-BC. They are good kids."
A graduate of Northern State University, Aberdeen, S.D., Steinert previously taught at Avon High School in Avon, S.D.