For Brian Cooley and Ethan Ivey, teaching music at Macomb Schools is about much more than scales, notes, and concert performances. It’s about building confidence, fostering creativity, and creating opportunities for every student who walks through their doors.

Brian, the head band director for seventh and eighth grade, and Ethan, the middle school choir director, are not just educators—they are passionate advocates for the transformative power of music education. And in Macomb, music isn’t an afterthought. It’s a pillar of student life, thanks to a deeply connected team of educators and an administration that fully supports the arts.

Music education begins in pre-k but students are offered the choice of band and choir beginning in 6th grade, where students get hands-on experience selecting instruments. Brian and his team work closely with students to ensure they find the right fit. “It’s not just about what they want to play,” he explains. “We help them discover what they’ll excel at physically and musically, so they’re set up for success from day one.”

Ethan, who directs sixth, seventh, and eighth grade choirs, sees his role as a bridge between young singers and a lifelong love of music. “We see these students grow from middle school into high school, and sometimes beyond,” he says. “The skills they develop in music—confidence, adaptability, and teamwork—serve them no matter where they go.”

But what sets Macomb’s music program apart from many others? Students don’t have to choose between band and choir. “That’s rare,” Ethan explains. “A lot of schools make kids pick one or the other. Here, we’ve structured our schedule so they can do both, which gives them a richer musical experience and more opportunities to grow.”

Beyond daily rehearsals, Macomb’s young musicians participate in solo and ensemble contests, large-group performances, and even state-level competitions. “We just took four students to the first-ever ILMEA All-State Junior High Choir,” Ethan says proudly. “Next year, we’re hoping that ILMEA expands the event to include band students as well.”

Brian adds that these competitions aren’t just about accolades. They’re about giving students professional-level feedback and the chance to push themselves. “Music teaches resilience,” he says. “You work on a piece, you refine it, you put yourself out there, and you grow from the experience. That’s invaluable.”

But perhaps the most telling sign of Macomb’s commitment to the arts is how music students are celebrated just as much as athletes. “We do clap-outs for kids going to state for track and golf,” Ethan says. “But when our choir students made it to All-State, our principal immediately asked, ‘When can we do a clap-out for them?’ That kind of recognition matters.”

Music education in Macomb is about access, not just talent. Brian points out that one in three band students uses a school-owned instrument, ensuring financial barriers don’t prevent participation. The band and choir booster programs help cover costs for things like reeds, performance attire, and even transportation for students who otherwise wouldn’t be able to attend concerts.

“We want every kid who wants to be in music to have the chance,” Brian says. “That’s why our community support is so critical. It ensures no student is left behind because of cost.”

One of the most remarkable aspects of Macomb’s music program is the collaboration between educators. Brian and Ethan don’t just work alongside each other; they regularly step in to support one another’s programs.

“We just had a concert, and I needed a cajón player,” Ethan says with a laugh. “And who stepped in? Brian. We’re constantly working together, whether it’s helping each other’s students or even playing alongside them.”

That spirit of camaraderie and shared purpose extends beyond just the music department. The administration actively supports the arts, ensuring that music is an integral part of student life.

“Our principals, Kibbee and Brett, don’t just give us lip service,” Brian says. “They show up. They celebrate our kids. And they make sure music isn’t something extra—it’s something essential.”

For students, that message is clear. Music isn’t just about playing an instrument or singing—it’s about being part of something bigger than yourself.

And thanks to dedicated educators like Brian and Ethan, Macomb’s music program isn’t just creating musicians—it’s creating well-rounded, confident young people who know the value of hard work, self-expression, and community.