Before the morning buzz of tools and wiring diagrams begins, the Electrical Occupations lab at Berks Career and Technology Center comes alive with a different kind of energy—music. Jordan, a Level 1 Electrical Occupations student from Wyomissing, has become a morning staple not just for his wiring skills, but for his talent on the electric piano.
It all started with a casual conversation between Jordan and his instructor, Mr. Semanchick. Jordan shared that he played the piano, and soon after, began sending daily videos of himself playing to Mr. Semanchick, who would play them in the classroom as students ate breakfast. The music became such a welcome part of the morning routine that even the Mechatronics instructor took notice. When he asked about the morning tunes, he offered an electric piano—donated to BCTC—for Jordan to play live each day.
Now, every morning, students in the Electrical Occupations program begin their day with a few minutes of live music from the lab area, where the electric piano sits proudly. Jordan, who taught himself to play piano by ear, says he took formal lessons for only a month. “I didn’t like reading music,” he shared. “So, I taught myself.”
Jordan’s musical talent extends beyond school walls. His mother is a children’s book author, and he often accompanies her with piano performances during library readings and events. Music and creativity run in the family—and so does BCTC. Jordan is one of 11 siblings, seven of whom are BCTC graduates.
“I chose to come to BCTC so I can learn electrical wiring and earn the credentials needed to work,” Jordan said. After high school, he hopes to do residential or commercial electrical work. But his interests don’t stop at wiring and music. After school, Jordan spends his time building remote control vehicles or working at Luxe Car Wash and Men’s Warehouse.
“I am either working, building, or playing piano!” he said with a smile.
To students considering Career and Technical Education, Jordan offers this advice: “Do your best and give your all. Pay attention to your teachers—you are receiving valuable knowledge—and stay out of trouble.”
In a space usually filled with the hum of circuits and conversation, Jordan’s piano brings a harmony that reminds everyone that creativity and technical skills go hand-in-hand.