Kenmare music teacher helps students better their lives through song

KENMARE, N.D. (KMOT) - A good teacher can have a lasting impact on our lives.

A music teacher in Kenmare has found ways to use the gift of song to help students better their lives.

Kindergarten to fifth-grade students are ironing out each song for their music concert. For some, this is the second time they get to sing a solo.

”I’m pretty calm now that I did them for a while,” said student, Blaise Perlichek.

Macie Harris-Nelson has added social-emotional learning in her classes and she uses music as an avenue.

”My philosophy is just teaching kids to be able to be independent and confident and be able to form relationships with all people,” said Harris-Nelson.

Some of the ways she does that is through choosing music that resonates with students, providing a circular seating structure and giving students a way to vocalize their emotions through the feeling wheel.

”We can start when they’re young,” said Harris-Nelson.

Harris-Nelson said she wants to create a community that uplifts.

”We aren’t just doing music, because we do SEL. We did a drum circle. We do a bunch of other things,” said student, Sadie Michalenka.

“When mistakes are made, she doesn’t get mad at us and helps us keep on going,” said Perlichek.

At the concert, multiple students will highlight their voices, which Harris said is akin to speaking in public.

”For them to stand out in front of a community of people with a smile on their face with something that they are proud of is truly just what my job is all about,” said Harris-Nelson.

One of the students said they hoped their teacher had a good year.

Harris-Nelson is also working on getting a master’s in school counseling.

She was also recently recognized as this year’s Ward County Teacher of the Year.

Click this link to see the full list of recognized educators from across the state: https://www.nd.gov/dpi/news/baesler-celebrates-2024-nd-county-teachers-year