Kalvin Schreiner says his love of music began early in life.

Now in his second year of teaching at South High School, Kalvin Schreiner said he loves his job — especially having the ability to create a safe and fun environment for his students.

From an early age, Schreiner said he knew he wanted to go into music education. Born and raised in Grand Island, Nebraska, he said he grew up surrounded by music. In high school, Schreiner was involved in marching band, jazz band, show choir, regular choir and musical theater. He said those experiences inspired him to pursue music education.

Schreiner said his passion for music began in middle school, thanks to his band teacher, who made a lasting impact on him.

“My middle school band teacher was great. He made silly jokes, and I got my humor from him,” Schreiner said. “He knew how to make band class fun, even when the stuff we learned wasn’t, and he made kids feel like they belonged there. That’s what I try to do.”

Growing up, Schreiner said life wasn’t always easy. His home life came with many challenges, but music became his escape — giving him new opportunities and a place to feel happy and safe.

“When I was in high school, we were going through a lot at home. Life was not particularly good,” he said. “Whenever I was in the music classroom, having those experiences made me feel safe. I felt like I belonged, and it took my mind off things.”

School itself wasn’t always easy either. Schreiner said he was diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, which made many subjects harder for him. Music, though, was an exception.

“I have ADHD, so school was always challenging for me,” he said. “I had to work hard to do well, but it was never that way for music. I was able to focus well, and it was the only subject I felt confident in.”

Although Schreiner has worked at South for only two years, he said he already feels at home.

“Just the experience of the culture here reminds me of home,” said Schreiner, who proudly identifies as Latino. “It makes me feel welcome and like I belong. I also get to teach guitar and band, which are two subjects I’m passionate about.”

Like many teachers, Schreiner said he often works with students who don’t show much interest in his subject — but he sees that as a challenge to overcome.

“I try to build relationships with kids. I ask them about themselves so they know they’re heard, seen and welcome in my classroom,” he said. “It’s a battle, and some kids make progress in baby steps, but at the end of the day, progress is progress.”

Outside of school, Schreiner said he values his personal time and self-care.

“I like to lift weights four days a week, play guitar at home, be a gigging musician around the Omaha area, play live shows, walk, eat, cook and travel to places where I can hike and do outdoor activities,” he said.

When asked about the most rewarding part of his job, Schreiner didn’t hesitate.

“Seeing kids grow up into respectful, responsible and successful young adults is such a rewarding feeling,” he said. “I love being a teacher. It’s the only thing I see myself doing. I want to teach kids valuable life skills while using music as a vehicle.”

For graduating students about to enter adult life, Schreiner offered a piece of advice:

“Take what you do seriously — don’t take yourself seriously.”