BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WBKO) — For the first time in Rich Pond Elementary School’s history, its music group, Bulldog Beat, will perform at the prestigious Kentucky Music Educators Association (KMEA) Conference in 2025.
Bulldog Beat is a vibrant 30-member music club that gathers each Wednesday before school. Comprised of fifth and sixth graders, the club members audition annually and showcase a wide range of talents, from singing and dancing to playing various instruments — sometimes all at once.
Sixth grader Mariyah Putnam says, “I can try out new techniques in music, and it’s like entering a different world when you walk into this room.” Her classmate, Morgan Wallace, adds, “I wasn’t always confident enough to perform in front of people, but here, I can just be myself.”
The students’ enthusiasm for music and the diverse learning experience is central to their involvement. Bulldog Beat follows the Orff Schulwerk approach, a unique music education method. Rich Pond’s music teacher, Brittany Rodriguez, is certified in this approach and uses it to inspire her students.
“Orff-style education allows for a little bit of everything: singing, playing instruments, and moving. It also gives students the freedom to make decisions about the music,” Rodriguez explained. “The pieces we perform are often shaped by their musical choices.”
Rodriguez has submitted her student groups for the annual KMEA Conference throughout her career, but Bulldog Beat marks the first time an elementary school instrumental group from this side of the state has been selected. The performance will take place in Louisville, and Rodriguez is excited to see her students’ hard work recognized on a larger stage.
One key to Bulldog Beat’s success is Rodriguez’s nurturing teaching style. She encourages students to embrace mistakes and learn from them. “I often tell my students, ‘You’re going to make mistakes. I don’t live in a perfect world, so it’s okay,’” she said. “We talk about how even famous performers mess up, but the audience never notices if you keep going.”
Fifth grader Kendall Johnson says her decision to join Bulldog Beat was influenced by Rodriguez’s positive approach. Though nervous about performing in front of a large audience, she’s excited to have her friends by her side. “It’s just fun to play music and be cheered on, even when we mess up,” she said.
Katie Rimington, also in fifth grade, enjoys the supportive atmosphere. “Being in a group where everyone cheers each other on makes it even more fun,” she said.
For many students, Bulldog Beat is more than just a music group — it’s a family. “We all feel like a big family, and music brings us together,” said fifth grader Hallie Downs.
This strong sense of camaraderie and teamwork has made Bulldog Beat’s performances stand out, with fifth grader Izzie Cunningham expressing excitement for their upcoming show. “I think everyone will love us because we’re so good together,” she said.
Bulldog Beat will take the stage at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville on Friday, February 7.
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