Shelby Cain

I have been passionate about teaching since kindergarten and developed a strong love for music at age 11 when I started learning the clarinet. My approach to music education is making learning enjoyable—when students have fun, they are more likely to stay engaged and develop a lasting passion.

At the end of 2022, I began student teaching at Holly Middle School, where I continue to teach daily. I primarily work with beginning band students, helping them with instrument positioning, embouchure, and breath control. I started by focusing on clarinet but expanded to saxophone and flute to better support all woodwind students.

In the fall of 2025, I will begin studying music education at Eastern Michigan University. I believe music is one of the most expressive and versatile art forms. It can be a creative outlet, a source of enjoyment, or a professional path, depending on how far someone wants to take it. While anyone can learn to play an instrument, putting real emotion and effort into it is what makes it meaningful.

Music has always been important to me. As a child, I loved listening to music on the radio and my iPad. When I started playing the clarinet in middle school, I quickly became deeply invested in it. Music has always been a space where I feel comfortable, and my band directors have been a great source of support.

Now a senior at Holly High School, I still take band and would love to share my passion for music with students who are eager to learn. I believe in adapting to each student's needs to find the best way for them to learn and grow.