Karen Frerichs strikes an endearing chord with kids through music.
It is a harmonious bond that connects the warm-hearted Auburn Mountainview High School teacher with song-embraced students from all walks of life.
“My life is a falling puzzle, but each day here with music brings me one more piece,” said Aaron Birkland, a junior. “I enjoy singing with friends here. It makes you feel free.”
Frerichs understands kids and their challenges. Through music, she’s able to reach them. Song has few boundaries in her studio of learning.
“It’s a real privilege to do this. It’s been amazing,” Frerichs said after sharing a short melody with students assembled around the piano during a morning class last week. “For many of us, we go far back … and that’s amazing. I don’t think that will happen again.”
Frerichs has taught hundreds of kids over the years in the Auburn School District. But what makes Frerichs’ fifth year at the high school special – apart from a rousing state performance by her choirs, ensembles and quartets – is that she has taught many of the departing seniors since they were in grade school.
In fact, seven of those students came from Lea Hill Elementary where Frerichs first introduced them to the importance of pitch, rhythm and tempo in the third grade. Thirteen more took up music when Frerichs transferred to Rainier Middle School to become the drama teacher for sixth- and seventh-graders.
Students followed Frerichs to Auburn Mountainview when it opened five years ago. Many have enjoyed a rewarding, four-year run.
“She won’t turn you down, which helps your self-esteem,” said Katherine Talbert, a freshman. “She encourages all of us.”
Added junior Katie MacAllister: “I was able to get over my stage fright.”
This season, the Auburn Mountainview music program earned high marks in eight categories at state. The school also sent two quartets to perform at state, half of which were students Frerichs taught since they were young. The quartets received superior and excellent grades at state.
In addition, the school captured the “Esprit de Corps” award at a spring competition in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
“That award means everything to me,” Frerichs added.
Frerichs anticipated such a season under the sun. Her students responded.
“I’ve had the advantage of working with them for four years,” Frerichs said. “But to have them since they were 8 or 12 years old was even more special. In music, it’s been like (teaching in) a small town because I’ve had them when they were young.”
Frerichs brought out the best in her lineup. One in particular is senior Kristina Garasimchuk, who has been under Frerich’s wing since the third grade. Garasimchuk blossomed into a gifted musician and one of the district’s top solo sopranos. She is planning on following her mentor’s footsteps and teach music one day.
“She’s like a second mom to me,” Garasimchuk said. “She taught me many things. She taught me to cherish things, even when things don’t work out. … She has always been there for me.”
