NSU STUDENT GOES FROM TUBA TO TEACHING AT LA

    Northern State University student Jaron Gross has spent the past semester student teaching at Langford Area School District, gaining hands-on experience in music education.
    Gross, a K-12 Music Education major, grew up in the small town of Hillman, Minnesota, where he attended Pierz Healy High School, graduating in 2021. His journey into music education was not always planned, but a deep passion for music led him to pursue it as a career.
    “I was always a singer,” Gross said. “I grew up singing in church with my grandma and joined the choir program at school as soon as I could.”
    It wasn’t until his junior year of high school that he expanded his musical involvement, inspired by his band director, Mr. Pohland, who became a mentor. He picked up the tuba and hasn’t put it down since.
    A defining moment in Gross’s musical journey came during the COVID-19 pandemic. His high school band had been preparing to perform “Play!” by Carl Holmquist, a piece about music returning to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.
    “I loved it. I listened to it on my own all the time,” Gross said. “But we never got to perform it. COVID-19 shut down our school, and the band community I had grown to love was taken from me.” During lockdown, music became his solace. “I would drive around in my car, just to get out of the house, and listen to this song. It kept me sane and made me realize that music was what I missed most about school—not just the music itself, but the stories it can tell, the emotions it stirs, and the community it builds.” He still hopes to conduct the piece with a future band someday.
    Still, his decision to study music wasn’t immediate. “In March of my senior year, I had no idea what I was going to do,” Gross said. “But I knew I wanted to be involved in choir.” His connection with Northern’s Dr. Woods, who provided valuable advice on scholarships, led him to NSU, where he immersed himself in music education, even earning a scholarship. Since then, Gross has been heavily involved in various ensembles at NSU, including serving as the Drum Major for the Marching Wolves.
    Gross’s student teaching experience at Langford Area came through his connection with Langford music teacher Kelly Wieser, whom he had worked with at Rushmore Music Camp. “I admired what she was doing and asked if I could student teach with her in the spring,” he said.
    At Langford, Gross has taught a wide range of classes, including elementary music, middle and high school choir, band lessons, and music appreciation. Throughout his time at the school, he has been impressed with the community’s commitment to music education.
    “The best part of my time at Langford Area has easily been seeing the support the community has for the music program,” Gross said. “Not every school is lucky enough to have a phenomenal teacher like Mrs. Wieser, and even fewer have the wherewithal to realize that. Langford Area really has something special here.”
    His time at Langford has also helped him grow as an educator. “I have learned so much, way too many tips and tricks to list,” Gross said. “But the most important thing I’ve learned is confidence in myself and my abilities. Mrs. Wieser has helped me grow into the music teacher I have always wanted to be.”
    As Gross looks ahead, he is set to graduate in May 2025. His current plan is to return to Minnesota to teach high school choir, continuing to share his passion for music with future students.
    With a strong foundation in music education and a meaningful student teaching experience at Langford Area, Gross is well on his way to making a lasting impact in the field.