Carleston Elementary Fourth Graders Showcase Unique Harmonica Band Performance

As the 2024-25 school year draws to a close, nearly 130 talented fourth-grade students at Carleston Elementary showcased a unique musical endeavor, performing as a unified harmonica band. Though not unusual in Europe and Asia, this impressive feat positions Carleston Elementary as one of the few schools in the United States to offer such a distinctive musical experience.

Under the direction of Dr. Brian Berlin, Carleston Elementary's music program is a vibrant learning laboratory where students delve into a wide spectrum of musical trends, both contemporary and historical. The performance is a testament to this innovative approach. Beyond the harmonica, Carleston students have opportunities to explore pitched and non-pitched rhythm instruments, cultivate their vocal talents, and experiment with various electronic instruments and software. The music program culminates in students learning to play instruments such as classical guitar, electronic keyboard, and the piano accordion, fostering a comprehensive musical education.

This year’s fourth-grade harmonica band performed a delightful program of standard instrumental repertoire, including "Aunt Rhody," "Are You Sleeping," a non-holiday variation of "Jingle Bells," and "Theme and Variation on Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star." Following the instrumental portion, the students transitioned to a choral segment titled “Let’s All Sing Song of the 80s,” featuring family-friendly renditions of iconic hits like "We Got the Beat," "Kids in America," "True Colors," "It’s My Life," and "Don’t Stop Believin.’"

Dr. Berlin, who is completing his twelfth year at Carleston Elementary, initiated the current harmonica program last school year and explained that his passion was ignited by childhood experiences and further developed through collaboration with a colleague who helped him deepen his understanding of the instrument and create his own teaching materials. He is dedicated to cultivating a safe and encouraging environment where students feel empowered to explore new ideas and embrace educational risks.

Carleston Elementary's music program values every student's perspective, fostering experimentation and critical thinking through inquiry and the exploration of musical concepts. The curriculum is built upon three fundamental pillars: Listening, Performing, and Composing. Dr. Berlin hopes to share his experiences and insights at the Texas Music Educators Association convention next spring.