A Portage Life in the Spotlight: Sean Bergholz

Willowcreek Middle School Band Director Sean Bergholz teaches nearly 140 students between sixth and eighth grade. Under Bergholz’s instruction, his students learn about the wonders of music.

Bergholz coordinates several concerts for his students each year. The first is a fall concert in which the sixth graders debut what they have learned so far in band.

“We actually just had a concert a couple weeks ago,” Bergholz said. “It was a sixth grade debut concert for the parents and we played all of the classics such as ‘Hot Cross Buns,’ ‘Go Tell Aunt Rhody,’ ‘Mary Had a Little Lamb,’ and more just to show our parents where we’re at.”

Bergholz also coordinates a winter concert, a spring concert, and ends the school year with a final concert. Students from all three grade levels participate in each of the concerts.

Bergholz’s band students have the opportunity to compete in the Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA). He believes this competition presents a unique learning opportunity for his students.

“I think it’s good for my students to receive feedback from people that are not myself. Sometimes as a teacher, you realize quickly that you might need help from others,” Bergholz said. “Even if they say the same thing that I say, hearing it from a different voice and getting a fresh perspective is always beneficial for those kids.”

Historically, the band at Willowcreek Middle School has put up stellar performances at the ISSMA Competition.

“I’m happy to say that we have a very long history of receiving Gold awards when we go to these contests,” Bergholz said.

When he’s not teaching his students about music, Bergholz enjoys taking walks with his wife and their two dogs. He likes to spend as much time outdoors as possible.

“We have quite a few places around Portage that we like to go to,” Bergholz said. “I really enjoy hiking and camping. I got into fishing a couple of years ago, and have been enjoying a lot of fishing, canoeing, and kayaking.”

One of Bergholz’s favorite aspects of his work is developing relationships with his students. He’s able to watch them grow, learn, and develop across three years.

“Band is one of the only classes in middle school where students will have the same teacher every year,” Bergholz said. “Over those years, I see many of the students come into Willowcreek as sometimes shy and timid sixth graders. They grow, learn, and figure out who it is that they want to be.”

Through music, Bergholz also teaches his students life lessons. He gives them opportunities to try new songs, experiment with notes, and play different instruments to teach them that failure is part of growth. 

“Failure is not a bad thing,” he said. “It’s always a stepping stone towards learning something new.”

He preaches kindness to his students as well, encouraging them to spread positivity no matter what they do.

Bergholz’s dedication to his students and his work is incredibly strong. Under his leadership, his students are not only learning about music, but they’re also learning about life.