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Working alongside college classmates isn’t a common experience, but for three South Dakota State University music education graduates, it’s become their everyday reality.

Bailey Cords ’20, MaryEllen Kennedy ’20 and Andrea Berends ’22 are School of Performing Arts alumni who now share their passion for music education as colleagues in the Springfield, Minnesota, school district.

Cords, a native of Janesville, Minnesota, joined Springfield in 2020 as the K-3 and 7-12 general music director before transitioning to lead the choir program for grades 6-12. At SDSU, he was active in concert choir, the Statesmen and the Madrigal Dinner, including Head Table and Westminster Singers.

Kennedy, from Beresford, now serves as the 6-12 band director. During her time at the university, she performed in the wind symphony, pep band, The Pride of the Dakotas Marching Band and civic symphony and led the Bum Band as part of the Hobo Day Committee.

Berends, a native of Echo, Minnesota, has taught elementary music in Springfield for four years. She was a member of The Pride of the Dakotas, pep band, choral and concert band at SDSU.

Strong community

For Cords, Kennedy and Berends, Springfield feels like the perfect blend of community and connection. The town has a deep appreciation for the arts, and working side by side every day with fellow Jackrabbits makes it even more meaningful.

“When I moved here in 2022, the community was so warm and welcoming,” Berends said. “Everyone is genuinely excited to support the arts. That kind of appreciation for fine arts in a small town is so special. We’re really lucky to be here.”

That enthusiasm shows in the level of community engagement, Cords explained.

“Our programs are so well supported that we’ve had to add second showings of our concerts to accommodate audiences of more than 900 people,” he said. “Across grades K-12, more than 5,000 people hear our students perform each year. That support helped our school earn the Best Communities for Music Education award from (the National Association of Music Merchants) four years in a row.”

Kennedy agreed, noting that Springfield offers the kind of close-knit atmosphere she hoped to find as an educator.

“I wanted to lead a band program that was big enough to include all instruments and parts, yet small enough that I could know each student personally,” she said. “Just as important, I wanted to be part of a community that genuinely values and supports the arts. … I knew right away that this town and school met those criteria.”

Beyond the town’s support, the trio said working together is what truly makes their experience special.

“As educators, we share the same vision and many of the same teaching practices,” Kennedy said. “But beyond that, we truly care for and value one another. There’s something special about working alongside people who have been with you since the beginning — it feels like a dream come true.”

Berends echoed that sentiment, adding, “It’s like having a little slice of home at work. … It’s been so fun to reflect on all our memories and how much growth we’ve all experienced.”

Together, these alumni are building a community like the one they found at SDSU.

Faculty impact

All three emphasized the impact the faculty in the School of Performing Arts had on their educational experience and their personal lives.

“Dr. Don Crowe and Dr. Kevin Kessler were always amazing,” Berends said. “They both knew how to push you to be your best, but they also taught and led with compassion.”

Kennedy agreed, noting that Dr. Kessler “consistently held us to a high standard and prepared us for the next steps in our careers.”

Their appreciation extended to many others within the School of Performing Arts who offered guidance and support.


“In all honesty, every faculty member I worked with in my undergrad made a huge impact on who I am today and shaped me into the educator I am for my students,” Cords said.

Growing skills

Beyond mentorship, the curriculum and hands-on experiences in SDSU’s School of Performing Arts gave the alumni the tools they use every day in their classrooms.

“SDSU prepared me for my career in many ways,” Kennedy said. “The instrument pedagogy classes gave me the tools I need to start my beginning band students each fall and help them grow their musical knowledge year after year. My conducting class with Dr. Jacob Wallace prepared me to select meaningful repertoire and to adequately prepare it with an ensemble.”

Cords echoed Kennedy’s experience, saying that he has been equipped with “countless tools” as a music educator.

“From music theory and pedagogy courses to the choral and instrumental techniques I gained through ensemble work, I draw daily on the knowledge packed into my three and a half years on campus,” he said. “One of the most valuable experiences was serving as Dr. (Laura) Diddle’s assistant. I always tell future choral directors: learn what your director does and how they do it.”

Through that role, Cords gained hands-on experience in program design, riser placement, concert scheduling and even managing social media. “It also gave me the opportunity to assist with women’s choir, Choralia, which was especially important for me as a male singer to better understand the female voice,” he added.

Ode to State

With their careers underway, the three educators often reflect on how their SDSU experience continues to shape their professional and personal lives.

“I would not be where I am today without SDSU,” Berends said. “It truly shaped me into the person I am today, and I don’t think I would have achieved as much somewhere else. The School of Performing Arts is like a family, and they make you feel like you’re a part of something important.”

Cords described his experience with SDSU faculty and students as a privilege.

“They shaped my life and played a major role in making me the person and educator I am today,” he said. “I am even more thankful to now work side by side with Andrea and MaryEllen each day. Sharing lunch together and laughing often makes it feel like being back in college again. I look forward to many more years with them as we continue to grow our program and share the joy of music together.”

Together, these SDSU alumni are hoping to make their own difference in the classroom.

“Impacting the lives of students is one thing, but impacting the future is another,” Kennedy said. “Working with young people is truly a gift. As a band director, my goals are simple: to help create good musicians and, more importantly, even better people.”

“The young people we teach today will become the doctors, lawyers, farmers, educators and leaders of tomorrow,” she continued. “My favorite part of my job is the students and knowing that each of them will go on to make an impact on the world.”