University of Northwestern – St. Paul Music Education graduate Lesley Earles ’11 is featured in a December 20, 2019 Star Tribune article for her work rejuvenating the music program at Edison High School in Minneapolis.
“Since Earles began teaching at the school six years ago, Edison’s music program has expanded and become more popular. The band class ballooned from 16 students to more than 61 kids in six different ensembles. Now about 250 students — a quarter of the student body — take classes in beginning band, jazz band, concert band, beginning and advanced drum line and rock band, all taught by Earles.”
In addition to her in-class work, the article, “Minneapolis high schools’ ‘Mr. Holland’ breathes life into dying music program,” highlights Earles’ efforts to secure instruments, much-needed funding, and outside performance opportunities for her students.
