Michelle Ortiz, Mueller Road band director, praises students’ progress

Michelle Ortiz, the band director at Mueller Road Middle School in Blythewood, South Carolina, said she is honored to teach the school’s young musicians and described their progress from beginners to performers at concert festivals and, in some cases, to college-level music.

Ortiz, who said she has worked at Mueller Road since the school opened, said the program has helped students move "from knowing nothing about playing an instrumental" to playing at the high school level and pursuing music in college. "These are amazing students, and they're not even sure what they're capable of until they they experience it," she said.

Ortiz emphasized the broader benefits she sees in her students, saying they have become "great citizens" in the community and that teaching them has been a learning experience for her as well. "It is just an honor to be here and make music with these young musicians," she said.

No formal actions, motions, or requests were recorded in the transcript excerpt. The remarks consist of testimonial praise for the school’s music program and a personal reflection on student development and teacher tenure.