LAUREN ROMERO - McLean County UNIT 5 SCHOOLS

“Every child is capable of making music! It is my goal that the students will leave my music class with a life-long appreciation for music.”

What prompted you to pursue a career in music education?

I always wanted to be a teacher. My mom was an elementary teacher, and she made learning exciting every day in her classroom. I started piano lessons when I was 5 years old, and I was involved in choir, musicals and band throughout my public school education. Music is why I succeeded in school. It gave me a creative outlet, helped build my self-confidence, helped me have a sense of belonging and allowed me to find different ways to learn. My family always encouraged my love of the piano and performing in music groups, and they were there at every concert or event. My high school pit orchestra director is the reason I pursued music education. He held us to high standards, encouraged us to play as an ensemble and work together, told us he was proud of us when we deserved it, gave us the necessary tools to be successful, all while instilling a love of learning music that would remain for a lifetime. Thanks to my mother and mentors like my high school teacher, I was inspired to pursue this career.

What is the most satisfying part of your job?

I love being a music teacher! The mission statement of Unit 5 is “Unit 5 will educate each student to achieve personal excellence.” Our Benjamin mission statement is “The Benjamin community will educate and empower all students to be proactive leaders.” It is all about the students. I love helping students learn a new skill, build on a skill, find success which builds their self-esteem, and help them to encourage others. Every child is capable of making music, and my goal is for my students to leave my classroom with the tools to create and appreciate music for the rest of their lives. I have had the opportunity this year, for the first time in my teaching career, to teach 5th grade band at the junior high school. I have enjoyed watching them apply their musical knowledge and learn to play an instrument. It has been such a pleasure to see how my former students have grown as they advance into junior and high school.

Three girls sit in a row playing ukuleles. The girl on the left plays a blue ukulele and is smiling, the girl in the middle has a pink ukulele and looks focused, and the girl on the right also has a pink ukulele and watches the others play.

What makes the music program at your school unique?

This program is everything that it is because of the community that supports it. We have seen students take their talents to the next level because the PTO, teachers, administrators, and families of the students have come together to show their support of our program. With this support, students have demonstrated proficiency and creativity using ukuleles, recorders, and percussion, including xylophones, metallophones, and glockenspiels. Additionally several students have attended the ILMEA District 3 Choir Festival, All-State Choir Festival, and the Heart of Illinois Elementary Music Festival.

Despite the unique challenges of the last few years, what are some of the positive takeaways you’ve seen in your teaching and in your students’ experiences?

Music programs are important in building a sense of community. Students attend music classes in kindergarten through fifth grade. In the music classroom, students are able to connect music to math, science, reading and writing and build self-confidence when they connect with music. They also develop social emotional skills such as perseverance and teamwork. These programs provide a creative outlet for many of our students in different ways than other classrooms. Additionally, music helps build language and communication skills, and keeps our students engaged in the learning process. The music room provides opportunities for students that you don’t find anywhere else in the school.

What are some of the reasons students enjoy music class?

“Music is important to us because it brings the joy of playing instruments with friends. For example, when playing barred instruments together with friends it brings us closer.” - Aarav, Akshaj, Harshith, Eli, Matt

Three boys in a school music room sit on benches playing xylophones. Two boys in the foreground are focused, each holding mallets and striking their instruments. A boy in the background, wearing a blue hoodie, sits on a higher bench watching.

“I really like playing instruments and it is a thing I’ve always wanted to do when I was little. Music has just been my thing.” - Miles

A boy in a blue hoodie sits on bleachers holding a pair of mallets, smiling and looking to his left. In the foreground, another boy in a pink shirt and glasses is seen out of focus, also turned to the left.

“I am involved in music because it is fun to create new melodies and play fun instruments Music is a time to escape and relax from other things.” - Reid

“I think music class is the best because Mrs. Romero makes it so fun. She lets us play the instruments and drums, plus ukuleles!” - Cenea

“I enjoy music because making music is so much fun to engage in and it even helps you stay calm making it fun for anyone. Music is important to me because playing instruments is one of my favorite things to do and that’s another reason I enjoy music class.” - Audrey

A young girl with long, blonde hair and glasses sits on a bench playing a blue ukulele while a woman with shoulder-length brown hair kneels beside her, offering guidance. Other students in the background are also playing instruments.

What are your goals for your music program over the school year?

My immediate goals for my music program are to continue to educate our students and provide an experience for our students where they are experiencing the joy of learning a musical instrument, singing together as an ensemble, expressing themselves through movement, developing their skills in music literacy, experiencing music from different cultures and creating their own music. It is important that I provide a learning opportunity for every learner in our building no matter what challenge they might face. Our family, administrator, teacher and community support is essential, and I will continue to educate our families about what the students are learning in the music classroom. Every child is capable of making music! It is my goal that the students will leave my music class with a life-long appreciation for music.

A teacher and three children are engaged in an activity in a classroom. Two boys are facing each other, smiling and making enthusiastic movements, while a girl stands nearby observing. The room is decorated and there are colorful scarves on the floor

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in music education?

Teaching can be difficult at times, but it is one of the most rewarding jobs you will ever have. The more you put into it, the more the students will grow, and the more you will feel fulfilled. Create your own vision of what you think your music program can be, then challenge yourself to listen to your students more closely to adapt to their needs. Think about how your school district and your community can support your vision. Communicate and advocate for your program. Keep families informed of what your students have learned and what is currently happening in music classes. The best part about music is making music with others, so remember your program will be at its best when you engage others! Oftentime you are the only music teacher in your building but you have colleagues across the district. Reach out to them, ask for advice, share lessons, be inspired by others ideas. Find professional development opportunities. You will find your music colleagues are always willing to help and share ideas to support your program.

You will learn from your students. You will be inspired by your students. You will change the way you teach based on your students. Find the joy in teaching…every day…you never know when you are the reason the student came to school, became more self-confident, developed better communication skills or was successful in their academic day!

How has ILMEA involvement benefitted you, your students and music education at your school?

There are so many benefits about being involved with ILMEA. As educators, we want to continuously help our students to develop, and one of the best development tools we have is to introduce them to new experiences. ILMEA has provided the opportunity for our students to participate in the Elementary All-State Chorus and the District 3 Elementary Choir Festival. What amazing opportunities for them! They have learned so much from performing with guest conductors and students from other schools around the state.

On a personal note, I am thankful for the development opportunities ILMEA continues to provide me. Each year, the general music clinicians at IMEC bring knowledge and creative ideas as well as diverse learning experiences that have helped me grow as an educator. ILMEA has helped me network with other educators across the entire state, allowing me to grow from others as I share my thoughts and practices with them.