By Kimberly Gomez

Published: Feb. 5, 2025 at 7:13 PM CST

PEORIA (25News Now) - At Manual High School, percussion is more than just a set of rhythms, it’s a transformative tool for teaching life skills. This week on “One Class at a Time,” we spotlight Terrell Ford, a percussion instructor who’s making a lasting impact on his students both in and out of the music room.

For Ford, percussion isn’t just about making music, it’s about making a difference in students’ lives.

“I didn’t even know I had a knack for teaching or even a passion for teaching until I got to see the impact it’s having on students’ lives. I don’t really care about drumming, I care about teaching life through drums, so we use drums just as a tool to teach core life skills,” Ford said.

He uses percussion as a way to instill important skills like discipline, time management, and communication. Ford’s approach to teaching goes beyond just the music room. His focus on real-world scenarios helps his students grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

“Drumming does come to an end one day unless you pursue it professionally, which some will, but for most people, that’s after high school, for others that is after college. What I like to say is when the drums are done, your character should be the loudest drum in the room,” he said.

Ford has seen remarkable transformations in his students over the years. Many have improved academically, gained confidence, and made strides in their personal lives.

“I’ve had the privilege to watch students go from being perceived as down and out to a complete character change,” Ford said. “Their grades are better, their home life is better, simply by implementing things like building friendships and understanding that they’re not alone. That has been the most joyous thing to watch.”

Students like Sarai Cage, a junior at Manual, appreciate Ford’s emphasis on life skills, not just drumming.

“He teaches us a lot of life skills, he really wants us to be able to step out into the world after this and have something to help us be successful,” Cage said.

Ford’s classroom is a safe space where students are encouraged to be themselves. He reminds them that it’s okay to not have all the answers, as long as they try.

“Just raise your hand. If you don’t know the answer, that’s fine. I just want you to try. Don’t hide yourself, be who you are. That’s how you discover yourself and your passions,” Ford tells his students.

In recognition of his incredible work both in and out of the classroom, we surprised Ford with a $1,000 check as part of the “One Class at a Time” program, sponsored by CEFCU. For Mr. Ford, the drumline is just the beginning; it’s the life lessons that make the real noise, one beat at a time.

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