July Teacher Spotlight: Steven Fernández

Steven Fernández teaches 5th-8th grade orchestra for Brighton Area Schools in Brighton, Michigan. He was the first teacher hired for this new program, which is adding a grade level each year. His first year of teaching was done for Waverly Community Schools in Lansing, MI. He received his Bachelor of Music Education from Western Michigan University, and will begin the Summer Master of Music Education program next week at the University of Michigan. Steven learned about Baroque Violin Shop through some savvy colleagues, and of course, their wonderful hospitality at the Michigan Music Conference.

Can you tell us about your school’s orchestra program?

Brighton has a baby orchestra program! We are entering our 4th year, and have been growing steadily, with last year’s 5-7 enrollment topping 230 students.

What instruments do you play/teach?

I am a bassist and teach violin, viola, cello and bass. I completed Suzuki book one training on violin (Ed Kreitman) and cello (Andrea Yun), as well as Suzuki in the Schools with Drs. Laurie Scott and Bill Dick.

How did your career in music get started?

My elementary music teacher, Roxana Han, let me make loud noises on a bass as a 4th grader, and I signed up for orchestra the following year.

What’s your favorite song to perform?

Julie-O by Mark Summer! I made a bass transcription which is available through the ISB.

What are some of your other hobbies?

I like to ride my bicycle, read books, dance salsa and cook.

What has been your favorite moment as a teacher?

Probably last summer when we had over 20 kids go to MASTA Camp in my seventh year as a counselor.

What do you find to be the best motivator for students?

Extrinsic - Squishmallows

Instrinsic – Having a curriculum gradual enough with sufficient review that every kid can see progress in their technique.

What are your future goals as a musician and teacher?

I think that it will be lots of fun to see my first seniors graduate, and eventually have an alumni network that supports what we do in Brighton.

How are you managing the challenges dealt to your school and orchestra related to COVID-19? What opportunities do you see?

The biggest challenge is the inability to play together. During the past few months, I have pushed my students on solo repertoire and some hopefully palate expanding listening projects. All of this while telling them repeatedly to spend as little time on the computer as possible, to go outside, hug their families, play their instrument, etc. One opportunity I have not taken advantage of yet is the sudden vast availability of professional musicians who are willing to meet virtually with young music students.