Students from the Berlin Community School music program gather with their teachers after a performance at the Berlin Borough Music Showcase. that highlighted the school’s growing arts program.
For the third consecutive year, the Berlin Borough School District has been honored with the prestigious Best Communities for Music Education Award, a national recognition of the district’s commitment to music instruction.
The award, presented on May 12, acknowledges districts across the U.S. that demonstrate exceptional support and access to music education. For Anne Kessler and Timothy Trout, Berlin Community Schools’ (BCS) music educators, the honor is both personal and professional.
“This is truly a great honor,” said Kessler, who has helped lead a thriving vocal and theater program at BCS. “It recognizes the shared passion Tim and I both have for enriching our students’ educational journeys with music. We believe music is part of the fabric of this community.”
Kessler and Trout’s partnership is built on shared curriculum, mutual respect and a holistic approach to student growth. From the cub band for fourth-graders to the audition-based jazz band in middle school, students are offered progressive opportunities to explore instrumental and vocal performance.
“We share many students between our band and musical theatre programs,” Kessler explained. “By demonstrating our respect for each other’s work, we show students they don’t have to choose. They can do it all.”
One example of that collaboration is this year’s musical production, “Newsies Jr.” It’s set to take the stage on Thursday, June 5, and Friday, June 6, at 7 p.m., and at 2 and 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 7 in the BCS auditorium.
Kessler highlighted the students’ maturity and teamwork throughout the rehearsal process.
“They’re more like young professionals,” she observed. “The level of leadership and dedication they’ve shown makes me incredibly proud.”
Since joining BCS in 2021, Trout has been instrumental in growing the district’s instrumental music program. He founded the Instrumental Music Parent Advisory Committee (IMPACT), a team of engaged parents who help shape meaningful musical experiences. He also helped establish the Tri-M Junior Music Honor Society, a new initiative that spotlights student achievement and commitment to music.
“Community support is at the heart of our success,” he explained. “From administration backing our concerts and theater productions to local families forming our 4th of July parade band, Berlin is a town that believes in the arts.”
That belief extends into the summer months. Trout will host a pops band camp in July for students entering grades five through nine that will culminate in a public performance on July 30 at a time and location to be announced.
But despite their successes, the educators acknowledge the realities facing today’s music programs.
“Scheduling conflicts with sports can make consistency tough,” Trout pointed out. “But we work closely with families and coaches. It’s all about teamwork – on and off the stage.”
To keep the curriculum fresh and inclusive, students help select concert pieces and explore music from a variety of cultural backgrounds. That inclusive approach, Trout maintains, not only engages students but reflects the broader values of the community.
Above all, Kessler and Trout hope that students leave their classrooms with more than just musical ability.
“We want them to be lifelong supporters of the arts,” Trout stated. “Music teaches collaboration, preparation and confidence. It’s about finding your voice and carrying those lessons forward.”
“Come to our concerts,” Kessler said. “Volunteer. Be present. It means everything to our students.”
For more information about Berlin Community Schools’ music programs, visit its Facebook page.
