Hailey Bryson
Director of Bands, North Ridgeville High School,
North Ridgeville, Ohio
Name while at BW - Hailey Ackerman
Current teaching position, years at this job, and responsibilities:
Director of Bands at North Ridgeville High School. This is my 12th year in this position. My course load changes each year and I have taught the following classes in the district.
- High School Band Concert Band
- High School Symphonic Band
- High School Jazz Band
- High School Marching Band
- AP Music Theory
- Music Theory
- Music History
- Music Pop Culture
- Piano I
- 5th Grade Band
- 5th Grade General Music
- 4th Grade General Music
- 2nd Grade General Music
- 4th/5th Grade Choir
- 7th/8th Grade Choir
- 4th/5th Grade Band
- 7th/8th Grade Band
Currently I am teaching:
- High School Band Concert Band
- High School Symphonic Band
- High School Jazz Band
- High School Marching Band
- AP Music Theory
- 5th Grade Band
What are some specific challenges you encounter in teaching music to high school students? - Time! There seems like there is NEVER enough time! Students are always being pulled into so many directions. In addition to that - your schedule! For me it has changed every year I have been teaching my course load. Trying to find times to open my classroom for kids to practice or just chill out and each lunch is always difficult.
If you had the freedom to change our educational system, what would you do? -Oh, so many things! I always joke, “If I were Queen of everything, things would be different - but I’m not!” I think the biggest thing is that, every student should have access to physical education, music, art, and all forms of creative and active learning. It’s essential for kids and adults alike to discover something they love in school - something that sparks passion and can grow into a lifelong pursuit.
The arts are incredibly important to human life. They help us express ourselves, connect with others, and understand the world in ways nothing else can. Let’s not underestimate the value of giving every student the opportunity to engage with and appreciate them!
What specifically would you change about how we teach music? - If I were to change anything about how we teach music, I would focus on making more music accessible to more people. There’s no single “correct” way to teach music because every human connects with it differently, shaped by their unique background.What matters most is providing opportunities for every human to explore, create, and experience music in ways that are meaningful to them.
In short: more music, for more people, in more ways! That’s the kind of change I’d love to see.
When were you first introduced to music and how? - I was introduced to music as a child, thanks to my mother. She would play classical music on the radio every afternoon from 3 to 5 PM (now, as a parent, I completely understand why!) and would dance around with me, encouraging me to come up with performances and “interpretive dances” based on what I thought the music was about.
When I was old enough, I eagerly joined choir in 4th grade. I vividly remember getting the permission slip at school and sprinting off the bus to have my parents sign it. Choir became a significant part of my life—I stayed involved all the way through college. When band became an option in 5th grade, I joined without hesitation, and from that moment on, I never looked back!
When did you start lessons? - I started lessons on piano, saxophone, and bassoon right around my 8th grade year. I started to become more serious of what I wanted to do- but needed LOTS of help and had the ability to take these lessons to help me become the person I am today.
What musical activities did you pursue in high school? - In high school, I pursued every musical option that I could from participating in solo and ensemble, to jazz, symphonic/concert band, marching band, choir. I took our two music elective classes that were offered at the time and of course private lessons.
What made you decide to go to BW? - I had a family connection to Baldwin Wallace - my cousin, Michelle Swislocki (Class of 2000), graduated from there. I attended some of her concerts and her recital, and I was absolutely amazed by the talent and passion I saw. As I got older, I came to understand just how incredible BW is as a school, and the fact that it was close to where I grew up made it even better.
BW’s music summer camps were another big factor. I attended the middle school band camp and the high school music camp, and they were truly life-changing experiences. My parents encouraged me to audition and participate, seeing these camps as a great “test run” for what a music major might involve. They believed these camps would either confirm my passion for music or help me reconsider - and it turns out, they confirmed it in the best way possible!
When did you graduate from BW and with what degree - I graduated in 2012 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education
Favorite professor - I gained so much from each professor I had the privilege of working with. From the countless hours of theory homework (shout out to Dr. Connor!), which now help me teach my AP Music Theory class and guide students to earning 4s and 5s on their exams, to solfege class with Dr. Cleland, where I developed sight-singing skills that I use daily.
The piano and guitar skills I learned at BW have been invaluable in teaching beginning music classes to both middle and high school students. Professor Grady’s vocal techniques not only helped me land one of my first music gigs after college but also taught me the importance of care, empathy, and understanding - qualities reinforced by all the amazing faculty I had the honor of learning from.
Every lesson, every skill, and every moment of guidance has shaped the musician and educator I am today, and I am forever grateful.
What ensembles, groups, or activities did you participate in while at BW? - I was in the Jazz Band, Women’s Choir for a year and Symphonic Wind Ensemble for a few years!
I worked as an administrative assistant for Jazz Band, Concert Wind Ensembles and for Women’s Choir. During the summer I worked in the conservatory office and helped move many of the items and materials once BMAC opened!
Fun fact- in one of the green rooms- it was ALL WALLPAPER- Joe taught me how to take down the wallpaper and get it ready to paint. It was not fun!
Favorite piece of music you learned or performed while at BW? - Huntingtower Ballad for Band by Ottorino Respighi
What class was most difficult for you? - Honestly, all of them! Let’s be real - I wasn’t exactly the best student. Looking back at my coursework and classes, I sometimes think, “What was I thinking?” But despite the challenges, I learned so much from every professor, every course, and every ensemble. Each experience pushed me to grow, even when it felt overwhelming at the time. The lessons I gained - both musical and personal - shaped me into the educator and musician I am today. So, while it wasn’t easy, it was absolutely worth it!
Is there someone from BW that you stay in touch with now? - My husband, Blaine Bryson '11.
What is something new that you took interest in or started doing after graduating? - I love golfing! I wish I was better at it! But just like being a musician you have to be in a good headspace, and have to keep practicing.
If you could go back and give yourself advice BEFORE you started college, what would it be? - PRACTICE!!! But really, get into a habit and a time of the day to practice, also- stop caring about what people are saying about you and your playing- just practice.
What was one thing about teaching that was most surprising? - It’s surprising just how many roles you take on as a teacher - mentor, advocate, counselor, event planner, and sometimes even cheerleader. While it can be overwhelming at times, it’s also what makes teaching so rewarding. The connections you build and the impact you can have go far beyond the classroom, I think this is especially apparent in the music classroom. I work each day to give students the opportunities and chances I never had.
What was one thing about being a musician that was most surprising? - How much hard work it takes to be truly successful. I always knew that as a musician, I’d need to advocate for music, build a program, and continually emphasize its importance - but I didn’t realize just how relentless that effort would need to be. Every day presents an opportunity to improve yourself and your program, but it all comes down to the time, dedication, and passion you’re willing to invest. Success doesn’t happen by chance.
If you could give advice to a graduating BW senior, what would you say? - For music education students: Get into as many classrooms as you can! Observe different teaching styles, collect district curriculums, handbooks, and familiarize yourself with various rules and procedures. You may think you know what you want to do when you have your own classroom, but every job and district is unique. The more you can learn and gather now, the better prepared you’ll be.
Take the opportunity to go out and gig - play in local high school musicals, sit in the pit orchestra, or even try directing. These experiences will help you understand different aspects of the music world and broaden your skill set.
Finally, keep an open mind. You never know where life will take you. BW offers an incredible network of connections - use them! Take advantage of every opportunity to learn and grow. You’ll be amazed at where those experiences can lead.
North Ridgeville Marching Band Staff - Leslie Mihelich (dance), Mack Fischer (color guard), Rachel Jalowiec-Bartlett (color guard), Megan Arnica (assistant band director), and Hailey Bryson (director of bands)
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To check out our previous feature on Stephen Tsambarlis '20, Kalee Bondzio '14, Rayna Brooks '16, Sydney Jahnigen '17, and Hillery Needham '03 please go to HIVE MIND homepage.