Maribelle Fernandez ’18 walks into her classroom each day with the goal of sparking a lifelong passion for music among her middle school students. Her success in achieving that goal was recently recognized by SBO+, a magazine for school music educators, by naming Fernandez one of the 50 Music Teachers Who Make a Difference in 2024, an honor that took her by surprise.
“I was completely surprised and honored to receive the email – I even thought it was spam at first! It doesn’t seem real, but I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity to be featured,” said Fernandez.
For Fernandez, music education is deeply personal. She credits her own band director for shaping her musical journey and inspiring her to teach.
“My high school band director, Dr. Chadwick Kamei, profoundly shaped my musical journey and inspired me to become a music educator. He wasn’t just a teacher; he was a mentor, always offering guidance with my music and life advice when I needed it most. Even today, he makes time to listen and support me. I aspire to create the same kind of experience for my students that he created for me.”
As a music educator at Wai’anae Intermediate School in Wai’anae, Hawai’i, Fernandez teaches seventh-grade Beginning Band and eighth-grade Advanced Band. In her seven years as an educator, she has made it a priority to foster a supportive and encouraging classroom environment.
“I love to celebrate student successes with the entire class because I believe recognizing their accomplishments and efforts helps them feel seen. I feature their accomplishments at the beginning of class, announcing them so everyone can share in the success and hopefully be inspired to go beyond in their music and life,” she said.
“For me, success means igniting a lifelong passion for music in my students. Whether that leads them to attend a symphony concert, join a community band, or share the joy of music with their own children, I hope to instill a love that lasts a lifetime.”
For Fernandez, success goes beyond musical skills.
“I teach students the fundamentals of music, from reading notation and breath control to proper instrument technique and ensemble performance. I adapt my role and teaching strategies each day to address the different needs of every student,” said Fernandez.
During her time at Capital University, Fernandez studied closely with Dr. Gail Zugger, professor of music.
“Maribelle is a very fine clarinet player. The first time I met Maribelle in person was during Welcome Weekend Orientation right before school started! Incredibly sweet demeanor, an infectious laugh, reserved until you get to know her,” said Zugger.
Teaching in Hawai’i is more than a profession for Fernandez, it’s a deeply meaningful way to give back to the community that shaped her.
“I truly value the close-knit music community here in Hawai’i. It’s wonderful to have such a supportive network of colleagues to turn to for help and guidance. Hawai’i is my birthplace and home, and it’s where I discovered the joy of band and my passion for music,” said Fernandez.
“I’m grateful to have grown up here and for all the wonderful experiences, both the highs and lows, that have shaped me into who I am today. Teaching here now feels like a way of honoring that journey and giving back to the place where it all began.”
Fernandez believes that being an educator is a lifelong journey. She hopes to continue refining her skills and eventually mentor new teachers entering the field.
“I believe that growth as an educator is a lifelong journey. I hope that as I develop my skills and gain more knowledge, I can eventually give back by supporting those who are just beginning their teaching careers. I also see teaching music as an opportunity to shape future generations,” said Fernandez.
“Music cultivates empathy, creativity, and communication. It empowers us to connect profoundly with ourselves, others, and the world around us. I hope to teach music in a way that cultivates these qualities in my students, helping them become better humans and valuable members of society.”
For more information about the Conservatory of Music at Capital, visit http://p2sq.rrmbaojie.com/academics/conservatory-of-music/.