Thank you, music educators!
It is an incredible experience to watch someone discover and fall in love with music, and the impact that a mentor has on a growing musician speaks volumes. In honor of the season of gratitude, the Michigan Marching Band would like to say thank you to all of our music teachers!
On September 25, 2023, the Michigan Band received an email from Nancy Corbeille, a music teacher at Kindermusik, an acclaimed music education program for youth ages zero to seven. Corbeille expressed her utmost pride in one of her former music students, Drum Major Blake Brdak.
Blake Brdak at a Kindermusik lesson
"Recently I spoke to some very proud grandparents. I asked them how my former student was doing, and they informed me their Grandson was the Drum Major for the U of M Marching Band," Corbeille wrote. "Blake was one of my Kindermusik students from 18 months of age to 6 years old. I am so very proud of what he has accomplished! I’ll definitely be looking for him the next time the band is on TV. Please tell Blake 'Ms. Nancy is so proud!'"
For many, music educators instill confidence in others, and help them find power in a beautiful medium of expression.
"After raising two music-loving children, I wanted to share with new parents the magic of music," Corbeille said. "I became a licensed Kindermusik teacher and held classes for children from birth to six years of age. That is when I was blessed to have Blake and his mom in my classes. He started at 18 months and continued through the entire program! I remember Blake always had a smile and enjoyed playing all the various instruments introduced. I am so very proud of Blake’s accomplishments and agree with the Kindermusik logo: 'A good beginning never ends.'”
Music educators have helped students forge incredible memories and find a sense of belonging.
"I was really excited to hear from Ms. Nancy!" Drum Major #58 Blake Brdak said. "I haven’t seen her in quite some time, but I still have fond memories of her Kindermusik class, which was my first introduction to making music! I’d like to say thank you to Ms Nancy! Her class is what made me begin to love music, something that has brought me so much joy throughout my life. Between Kindermusik, high school, Drum Corps, and the MMB, I’ve learned from some incredible music teachers. They’ve all been excellent at teaching music, but the real impact they’ve had on me is the lessons I’ve learned from them about life and leadership. I am extraordinarily thankful for all of the music teachers I’ve had in my life!"
Corbeille continues to teach at age 73, celebrating 30 years of teaching music.
A letter written to Corbeille from a young Brdak
