Ms. Ellenwood is the Band Teacher at Barton Elementary Middle School, and her passion for music has had a positive impact on Barton students. She has involved them in playing instruments to celebrate staff birthdays and in preparation for school-wide events. From the moment she set up her classroom, Ms. Ellenwood’s first request to Principal Adams was to ensure Barton students had access to instruments. She fosters confidence in her students, encouraging them to perform impromptu solos, regardless of whether they’ve been playing their instrument for 2 days, 2 weeks, or 2 months. And time and again, the students rise to the challenge. They demonstrate responsibility by carefully transporting their instruments back and forth between school and home. As they continue to practice writing music and mastering instruments like trumpets, clarinets, xylophones, and more for their upcoming solos and school events, the Barton Bears are sure to fill the air with even more beautiful harmonies.