The Bad Monkeys Make a Difference

What do marimbas and making a difference have in common? At Fernwood Elementary school, a lot more than you might think! 

Fernwood Elementary is home to the Bad Monkeys, a marimba band comprised of 4^th and 5^th grade students under the direction of Ms. Katherine Berry. Every year the band provides students the opportunity to grow both personally and musically, while also raising an incredible amount of money to support Sister Schools and their fellow students in Uganda. 

Katherine Berry and Sister Schools Executive Director Jaime Dubrulle pose with Harita, one of the Bad Monkeys band members.

It all began about 15 years ago, when Fernwood Elementary first participated in the Sister Schools supply drive program. But simply sending supplies wasn’t enough for Ms. Berry. She kept asking, “How can we do more?” After hearing about a Ugandan school where students had no desks and were forced to sit on the floor, she decided to take action—and organized a benefit concert to raise money for desks. 

She formed three marimba ensembles, and that very first concert raised over $1,000—enough to provide desks for the entire school.  

The Bad Monkeys were born—a fun and wildly popular opportunity for Fernwood students. The band’s name comes from their theme song, Tsokoshata, which means “naughty monkey” in Shona—hence, the Bad Monkeys. This year, there are just 12 coveted openings (there are only so many marimbas!) and 44 eager students hoping to get in. Band membership is a privilege, but it’s also a lot of hard work. Students arrive at school early once a week to practice, and perform for the school and the community throughout the year. 

5th grader Aveesh joined the Bad Monkeys last year and is thrilled to be returning this year. He considers himself “incredibly lucky” to have landed one of the limited spots. Through the band, he’s discovered not only a love for music but a growing talent. “I’m pretty good at it!” he says with charming confidence. Since joining, Aveesh has also started playing piano and plans to audition for Fernwood’s strings club this year. As a returning member, he’s excited for the chance to make new friends—and to lead. “Fifth graders get to help teach the fourth graders,” he proudly explains. “It’ll be easy to teach, because I already know it!” 

That kind of confidence is exactly what Ms. Berry aims to nurture. Some of her favorite memories over the years include students cheering for each other, learning to work together, and discovering the powerful lesson: “I can do it if I work hard.” In the Bad Monkeys, she explains, “all students have the opportunity to shine.” Kids of all backgrounds have participated—regardless of learning styles or behavioral challenges. Ms. Berry holds high expectations for everyone, and her patience pays off when students finally master a solo or learn how to collaborate as a team. 

She always reminds them: being in the band is a privilege. And with that privilege comes purpose—using their gifts, including musical talent, to make a positive impact. 

A full house at the 2025 Sister Schools Benefit Concert!

At the end of the year, the Bad Monkeys do just that. They showcase all their hard work and heart at the annual Sister Schools Benefit Concert. And while the music is impressive, the most inspiring part is what it stands for: kids using their voices, rhythm, and teamwork to create real change. Over the years, the Bad Monkeys have raised more than $70,000 to support students in Uganda. 

Now that’s music with a mission.