Name: Melanie Eberhard

Role: Music Teacher

Been with the school since: 2016

What is your favorite thing about working at the school?: Observing my students’ unique personalities expressed through song, instrument (especially cello), and dance.

What are memorable events/moments that means a lot to you?: First is a folk dance: “Can’t Jump Josie,” a favorite request of sixth grade. It is danced by a couple students promenading with a slow walk inside a ring of dancers, then jumping when the music changes. There is a priceless look of satisfaction and delight on students’ faces when they are enjoying this independent social moment.

Second, is in the first grade, and the Early Childhood Waldorf setting in Meadowsweet, a song and verse about snow that moves through the magic of watching snow falling, to sleeping, to waking with the robin’s call, and rushing out to the garden exclaiming, “Hooray for snow!” We adults may complain about snow, but it is pure wonder to children.

Lastly, I create ensemble at every grade level, and the moment when a child begins to understand give and take, playing and listening, being a part of something that must be coordinated with a group, that is precious moment for each student. A few recent examples: first grade “Ning Nang Nong”; fourth grade “Clock Canon”; sixth grade “Angels Watchin’ Over Me”; seventh grade “Cape Cod Chantey”; ninth grade “Pachelbel’s Canon”; twelfth grade “Take Five”.

What do you hope for the school year?: Our school community coming together to create theatre, music ensembles, and dances that lift up and celebrate the remarkable children and youth we serve.