December 19, 2023 – “Bumpy, bumpy, bumpy thumb.” “Bumpy, bumpy, bumpy thumb.” “Good night.” “Good night.”

The words may sound strange, but everything that Alexandra Fisher, Wedgewood Middle School’s orchestra teacher, says has a specific meaning. Fisher teaches students how to play the violin, but not in the typical way. 

“I realized that I have students who want to be part of the orchestra, but they did not know that we had an orchestra because they do not speak English enough to find out about it,” Fisher explained. “I began to think that we needed a class where we could go slower and speak a little differently.”

This idea eventually grew into the Wedgewood English as a Second Language (ESL) Orchestra, an orchestra class designed specifically for students not proficient in English. Fisher realized that because her standard orchestra class is taught in English, students must first understand the language to learn to play. In the ESL Orchestra, students rely less on spoken words and focus more on physical demonstrations.

‘Bumpy thumb’ and ‘good night’ are examples of Fisher’s show, don’t tell teaching model. She says both phrases as she demonstrates the proper finger placements on a violin bow. As they watch her, students can mimic her movements and begin to associate certain hand positions with the phrases she uses. Fisher is removing the language barrier to learning music through this teaching style. 

“There was a boy who did not speak any English at all,” Fisher said. “But when he did his bow hold, I automatically was able to tell that he will be able to play well. It made me wonder how many people can play well but just don’t have the opportunity.” 

Kimberly Ruiz-Mejea is a student in Fisher’s orchestra. She said orchestra is a great opportunity to learn both the English language and how to play instruments. 

“Music helps [teach] you more English,” she said. “[In orchestra,] you can know more English, get more friends, and learn to play a lot of instruments.”

Fisher was not always proficient in English herself. She is a native Portuguese speaker, and when she first came to the United States for music education, she said it took time for her to understand English. Despite this, she felt comfortable in her classes because although she didn't always understand English, she knew the language of music. 

“My ESL students don’t need to speak any English,” Fisher explained. “They can play music without having to speak anything. Music is its own language, and as they learn to speak English, they will already be successful [with their instruments.]”

This school year is Fisher’s first time teaching the ESL Orchestra, and she’s excited to continue expanding on this work. She loves being able to teach students music and hopes it’s a skill they continue with throughout their lives.“Music is something you can play until the last few years of your life,” Fisher said. “Can you imagine? A skill that you can be successful in without being able to speak the language and that you can use for the rest of your life? This is what I do, and I love it.”