October Teacher Spotlight: Pam Kilbride
Pam has been teaching in the Berkley School District since 1997; and this year is her 28th year of teaching. She started in the Utica Community Schools in 1993 after finishing her bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University (Go Broncos) and then attended the University of Michigan for graduate school to study string pedagogy under Professor Robert Culver. She then taught for one year in the Battle Creek Public Schools before finding her home in Berkley – a suburb of Detroit. During her second year in Berkley, a representative visited from the Baroque Violin Shop and it was the start of a great collaboration since then!
Tell us about your school’s orchestra program?
The Berkley School District is a hidden gem in Oakland County located 20 minutes north of Detroit. The orchestra program has grown over the years from two orchestras at the high school level to three; and we are one of the few districts that starts in 5th grade with a “Fine Arts Option” where every fifth grader is involved in a music class: orchestra, band or choir. It is not a pullout program so the students do not miss academics during our music time. (These music classes meet at the same time at their respective schools).
Our high school orchestras have performed twice at Carnegie Hall in the last ten years.
What instruments do you play/teach?
My primary instrument is the violin; but I have been playing quite a bit of chamber music on viola, which has been very enjoyable. Since I teach fifth-eighth grade; modeling on all the string instruments is really important to help develop these young musicians.
How did your career in music get started?
I was very fortunate to have had a wonderful private teacher who encouraged me to audition for a music program to pursue music education; as well as some very fine conductors at Interlochen during my summer studies there.
What’s your favorite song to play?
While it is almost impossible to choose just one piece; being a section violinist in an orchestra performing Scheherazade by Rimsky-Korsakov was a highlight for sure.
What are some of your other hobbies?
Our family loves to travel – even if it’s a quick getaway to northern Michigan.
What has been your favorite moment as a teacher?
During my tenure in Berkley, students have attended the UM Halloween Concerts and we have even had Barrage come to Berkley twice for clinics and concerts. Our middle school students also experienced an exceptional opportunity with the talented Rodney Page as a guest clinician and their performance was nothing short of spectacular.
What do you find to be the best motivator for students?
I think connection is so important and knowing what works for students is key. I think when they see they are a part of something bigger and we all are working toward common goals; their individual progress can be seen.
What are your future goals as a musician and teacher?
As a teacher, I am committed to working with my students while we navigate this time of transition since we were virtual most of last year. As a musician, I am really looking forward to carving out more time to practice and perform chamber music with some outstanding musicians who are also wonderful friends.
Do you have any highlights from your summer break that you would like share?
This summer we were able to spend a busy week in Washington DC. A highlight was attending a concert to see the National Symphony Orchestra perform at Wolf Trap National Park in Virginia with the one and only, Renée Fleming.