Ryan Lewis is Building Community Through Music

Ryan Lewis, the passionate and dedicated sixth–12th grade music teacher in Willamina, has become a driving force behind the transformation of the school’s music and media programs. Through his innovative approach and deep commitment to his students, Ryan has fostered a culture of creativity and community, encouraging young people to explore their artistic potential while building meaningful connections with one another.

Ryan’s love for music started early. He had inspiring teachers who nurtured his passion throughout his education, Dan Strauss in middle school and Jim Irving and Katy McKee in high school. He also found mentorship through the Seattle Cascades Drum and Bugle Corps with Lewis Norfleet and Todd Zimbelman, who further shaped his path. “Music has had a huge impact on my life, and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else,” Ryan shares.

When COVID forced schools into remote learning, Ryan faced the challenge of keeping music and drama alive in a virtual world. Music is social, and it’s hard to play in time with each other online. Still, he found ways to provide students meaningful experiences through solo projects, creative compositions, and historical explorations of music genres. At the same time, his drama class had to be reconceptualized, evolving into a media production class that includes creative writing, drama and current skills that include digital content creation. His students produce and perform plays, engage in film studies, create short films and skits, and produce the “Bulldog News Network,” which covers current events and encourages reflection on various aspects of life.

The middle and high school programs have seen tremendous growth under Ryan’s leadership. Willamina High School also has budding guitar and piano programs they are trying to grow. One of the highlights of Ryan Lewis’ tenure was the pep band’s trip to Pendleton for the state basketball tournament. It was a scramble to get the kids on board with just a few days’ notice, but it was one of their most impactful trips. During the tournament, Willamina’s band collaborated with East Linn Christian Academy’s band directed by Shawn Perron. They sight-read music together and created an unforgettable experience. Although Willamina’s team was knocked out of the tournament by Regis High School, the students stayed an extra day to perform with East Linn Christian Academy, bringing the communities together through their shared love of music.

Ryan Lewis has created a vibrant and supportive environment where students can thrive. Whether in the classroom, on the stage or during a pep band performance, Ryan’s dedication shines through in everything he does. He inspires his students to grow not only as musicians and creators but also as confident individuals who contribute to their school and community. His unwavering belief in the power of art to bring people together is at the heart of his work, making him an invaluable asset to Willamina Schools.