Spotlight on: Caitlin Berg
January 2025 Senior Student of the Month
The Student Council decides monthly student and teacher awards with a specific category each month. The category for students for January 2025 focused on music.
The Senior Student of the Month awards go to two seniors per month who are nominated and voted on by Student Council members in grades 9-11.
The High School Teacher of the Month award goes to one teacher per month who is nominated and voted on by Student Council members in grades 9-12. All Teachers of the Month become eligible to become Teacher of the Year in June.
The January 2025 Senior Students of the Month are Caitlin Berg and Logan Pullman.
Read a Q&A with Caitlin Berg below.
Q. How does it feel to be recognized as Student of the Month for your musical talents?
A. Shocking, I certainly wasn’t expecting it. I’m grateful to have been recognized by STUCO and the staff.
Q. What instrument(s) do you play, and how long have you been playing?
A. I play flute and piccolo primarily at an intermediate level and piano and kalimba at a beginner level. I’ve been playing flute for about eight years, piccolo for about four to five years, and I’ve noodled with piano and kalimba for approximately five years.
Q. What inspired you to start playing music? Do you have any musical role models?
A. I started playing in fifth grade out of genuine interest. I always wanted to play the flute, the piano or the violin. As for role models, I didn’t necessarily have any. I was just always fascinated with different sounds and liked making noise.
Q. What’s your favorite piece or song to perform, and why?
A. We are currently working on a piece called “Invicta” that I already love playing. I can’t wait to perform it. The song sounds like something from a game soundtrack, something full of adventure.
Q. How do you balance your academics and musical commitments?
A. Band and choir are ingrained in my daily schedule. Every morning, I get to play and sing before I finish the rest of my day with academic classes. I also participate in the school’s Jazz Ensemble and make my own music at home.
Q. What has been your proudest moment as a musician so far?
A. Making it as far as I have and being looked up upon by my peers. Knowing that they trust my abilities and believe that I’m good, even in times where I don’t, gives me a sense of accomplishment and reassurance.
Q. Do you have a favorite memory or performance that stands out?
A. I did pit orchestra for the Cinderella musical back in 10th grade and will be doing it again this year. It was gratifying and fun to play among other talented musicians.
Q. What advice would you give to other students who want to pursue music?
A. Make sure to find a quality instrument for your performance level. I’ve seen several young students throw in the towel or switch instruments due to the frustration of not being able to get a sound out when the issue is typically the instrument and not the student. Cheap instruments and instruments lent by the school aren’t practical in the long run.
Q. What are your future goals in music, whether in college or beyond?
A. I plan to attend Herkimer College to major in Music Industry A.S. in hopes to become a music producer/composer.
Q. If you could perform with any artist or band (past or present), who would it be and why?
A. I would definitely collaborate with Michael Jackson. I always loved his music.
Q. Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give a shoutout to for supporting your musical journey?A. I’d like to thank Mr. Gordon and Mrs. Heuser primarily. I’d also like to thank our prior choir teachers, Mr. Ritzel, Mr. Paddock and Mr. Williams. All of these teachers have played a role in my musical journey, and I am eternally grateful.