Madison Reporter

Kenny Ellis, a band and orchestra teacher at Sherman Middle School, has dedicated his career to instilling a love for music in his students. Since joining the school in August 2020, Ellis has faced challenges such as teaching music virtually, which he found difficult due to the need for group collaboration and sound. "Nothing can compare to what it’s actually like in the classroom," Ellis stated. He values the community that in-person teaching offers.

Ellis emphasizes making music enjoyable while encouraging students to challenge themselves. "More notes equal more fun," he remarked, highlighting the importance of practice for improvement and enjoyment.

Watching students grow over three years is one of Ellis's most rewarding experiences. "Seeing their growth musically, academically and personally is amazing," he said. Although saying goodbye to eighth graders is bittersweet, he takes pride in contributing to their musical development.

Ellis attributes much of his success to his high school band and choir directors, Mr. Michlig and Mr. Dahlberg. His advice to aspiring musicians is straightforward: "Practice. Even a little bit every day will help you improve."

As he prepares for the annual Strings Festival, Ellis encourages students to attend this large-scale concert featuring 500 string players from elementary through high school levels. “It’s an amazing moment,” he noted about the festival experience.

The 58th Annual Madison Strings Festival will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025.

10:00 am Vel Phillips Memorial High School

12:00 pm Madison East High School

2:00 pm La Follette High School

4:00 pm Madison West High School