Band ensemble membership increased by nearly 140% during Dr. Bersh's tenure at Yorktown. In his first year as an instrumental music teacher at the elementary school level, enrollment increased by over 30% despite a 10% decrease in the school population. He also developed new coursework (Song Writing, Digital Audio, and Music Theory) to expand access and update music education offerings, and established chapters of United Sound and the Tri-M Music Honor Society. In addition, Dr. Bersh started the chamber music program, steel band, jazz combo, and Big Band Jazz Ensemble.
Giving students voice and fostering community is key for the long-term success and development of any program.
The success of programs like the one highlighted in this video is collaborative culture building with students and colleagues – a culture that makes people not only want to join, but to tell their friends and neighbors, to take pride in their involvement in something they see as special and that they truly feel a part of.