“I Lose Nothing by Being a Goofball” – Shuler Elementary Music Teacher Brings Joy to the Classroom

Randy Everding steps into the hallway at Shuler Elementary with his guitar and one goal in mind. He wants to start each class with a smile.

“I could see kids, even through a mask, I could see their smile,” says Everding. 

The smile on the way to music class is part of a much bigger message. 

“I think the core of a music experience at the K-5 level is all about joy,” shares Everding. “It’s about expression. It’s about being goofy and being able to lean into that.”

Leaning into music is something Mr. Everding has been doing his entire life.

“As I was growing up I often felt singled out. I didn’t feel a connection to my friends or my school,” says Everding. “The one thing I did have was a connection to was music.”

By dedicating his life to teaching music, Randy is honoring the same people who were there for him when he needed it the most. 

“I knew I had to give back by pursuing a career in music and particularly a life in teaching,” says the first-year music teacher.

It starts with a song in the hallway and continues for the next 30 minutes. Mr. Everding hopes all of his students find joy in their time together. 

“The ability to add one smile to their day, I’m fulfilled,” he says.  “I lose nothing by being the biggest goofball I can possibly be. If that makes them excited to come to school, I am all for it.”

Mr. Everding teaches elementary music at Shuler and Maple Grove.