THE MAGIC OF MUSIC

We sat with Eynon and Wilson in February to discuss their experiences at Seven Hills and their incredibly robust music program.

job, they’re willing to step out of their comfort zone because they have faith in you. They love music and come running in here every day. It’s an absolute joy to be their teacher,” Eynon said.

One of her favorite units for students to experience is bucket drumming and stomping.

“Bucket drumming allows the kids to be creative, cooperate as a team, and learn how to read the rhythm of songs. With stomp, they’re playing non-traditional instruments, and it gets them outside their comfort zone,” Eynon said.

For 19 years, Eynon has led countless Doherty students on adventurous musical journeys. She’s inspired young minds to think outside the box and learn the beautiful opportunities music has to offer.

“I love Seven Hills with every fiber of my being. The community as a whole is incredibly welcoming, supportive, and comforting. The students are inquisitive, energetic, enthusiastic, talented, and willing to try. I’ve learned children can read an adult, probably from a couple of blocks away, so as soon as they see that you are sincerely interested in them as people and enthusiastic about your

According to Eynon, music helps students grow as people and as scholars because music and rhythm are intrinsic to people.

“Whether you sing, dance, or play, music becomes part of you. Students get a chance to play music their way, and it helps them understand themselves better because it enables them to be able to highlight their individuality. I love music because it’s a universal language; even children who might have challenges thrive with music. It’s a connector and method of communication that can be shared easily and understood, even if two people don’t speak the same language,” Eynon said.

Being able to work together with her Lotspeich counterpart Robin Wilson has been a dream, Eynon said.

“Our love for the subject reflects in both of us. We’ve been the best team to keep this music program going, and all the arts people have been super supportive, to talk to and hang out with. The families who are here, they’re incredible. We pride ourselves on creating a safe space for students to express themselves, whether it's here at Doherty or Lotspeich. I tell the kids my motto is ‘just do it’ because nobody’s going to judge you, so just do it your way and have fun with it,” Eynon said. Wilson emphatically agreed.

“It’s been absolutely wonderful to work with Maria. I've been here 16 years and, by this point, she's like a sister to me. We bounce ideas off of each other and really have a team mentality. Over the years, we’ve joined forces and had our kids sing and perform together, like our first graders during Arts Alive! on April 8,” Wilson said.

Wilson has curated a warm, musically explorative classroom, where students find their voice and try new things with confident abandon.

“I have students as young as 2 years old, so not only am I helping kids understand rhythm, time, and sound, but I’m also aiding their language development. I use The Kodály method, which is based on the premise that musical education should be rooted in the idea that music is a social and cultural experience. That's what I love about my job — that I have the ability to help kids with creating a strong musical foundation from the youngest musicians to right before they head off to Middle School,” Wilson said.

Watching students learn how to balance a rhythm or a melody together as a cohesive team, falling in love with an instrument, or trying something new all play into her love for the job, according to Wilson.

“They take ownership of the parts that they have and make them their own. I watch them find connections with the elements of music that we talked about in class, whether it's the tempo, markings, or dynamics. Music affects and impacts the kids’ emotions, and creates a healthy outlet for them to express themselves, especially when they don’t have the words. I watch kids transform with music,” Wilson said.

Above all, Wilson expressed her deep appreciation for not only her students but for the Seven Hills community.

“I’m blessed to teach here. This is by far the best teaching opportunity that I've had in my career. I have 26 years in teaching, 16 of which are at Seven Hills, and it's like the sky's the limit for the kids and for myself. If I need technology, instruments, or anything else to better the educational experience for the students, it will happen. This is such an incredible place to be a part of and grow with,” Wilson said.