Stepping into the music room at Mountain View Elementary, the sound of anticipation fills the space as students gather around guitars, keyboards, and a drum set. This energy reflects the heart of Mustangs Rock, the school’s Rock Band Club, now in its fifth year. The program grew out of a discovery made by music teacher Karlie Carter shortly after her arrival to Mountain View. “When I first started, I found this awesome set of rock band instruments in my closet,” Carter said. “As a classically trained pianist, I honestly had no idea what to do with them, but I was intrigued.” Through professional development with the nonprofit, Music Will, Carter expanded her instrument collection, incorporated a rock band unit into the fourth-grade curriculum, and then launched the after-school club.
Mustangs Rock is a 10-week program open to fourth graders and meets for an hour after school each Wednesday. Students rotate through guitars, drums, keyboards, and vocals as they learn chord patterns, rhythms, and lyrics for different songs. “Our motto is ‘try everything,’” Carter said. “My goal for this program is accessibility. Students learn chord patterns by focusing on colors so they can get right into the music.” While participation in the after-school club is limited to 12 students per semester, all fourth graders are invited to join the experience during the annual fourth grade music showcase, performing alongside the club as singers or instrumentalists. This year’s featured songs include “We Will Rock You,” “Best Day of My Life,” “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” and “Eye of the Tiger.”
For Carter, the impact of Mustangs Rock extends far beyond the stage. The club strengthens connection and community between students as they learn to listen to one another, collaborate, and take creative risks. As they rise to the challenge of performing, students build confidence and a sense of empowerment rooted in shared accomplishment. “My hope is that they develop skills and a new connection to music that they will carry with them through middle school, high school, and beyond,” said Carter.
