Teacher: Mr. Derek Pierce

I am the music teacher of 164 Kindergarten through 8th grade students. About 96 percent are African-American, two percent are Hispanic or Latino, and two percent other. Over 60 percent receive special education services and about 75 percent come from low-income families. Our school addresses the needs of students with learning differences by providing creative learning environments. We focus on developing the whole child intellectually, emotionally, physically, and socially. These children are fantastically clever, artistically skillful, and talented. I describe them as vocal powerhouses. I am proud to be their teacher and despite their challenges, they soar above and beyond. They are filled with enthusiasm and are eager to learn and express themselves through music. One of my 5th graders is such a student who captures the spirit of what it is to be a vocalist. He lives for music and strives to improve. Yet so far he hasn't been able to hear in-tune accompaniment while he sings.