The Arts
As part of our well-rounded curriculum, Concordia is proud to offer both Art and Drama programs to our children to further enhance their cultural knowledge and appreciation.
Research shows that exposure to the arts and drama has a tremendous impact on the developmental growth of children, including their imagination and critical thinking skills. Students who are introduced to art at an early age develop creative, cognitive, and communicative skills that will serve them well beyond their classroom years. Drama programs have been proven to not only build a sense of community within the school, but increase a child’s self-confidence as well as memory, discipline, and sense of self-worth.
The Art and Drama curriculums at Concordia offer a unique opportunity for student growth and self-expression.
Fine Arts
Concordia offers Art as a curricular study to the students in grades 6-8. The students continue their exploration of the elements of art and art appreciation. They display their works in “Arts in the Park”. They also use their art to enhance worship with banners for chapel or concerts.
Drama
CLS provides opportunities for students throughout all grades to experience being a part of the theater. Research reveals the positive impact of drama on a student’s physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development. Specific areas of effect include self-confidence, imagination, collaboration, communication, memory and trust. A full list of benefits can be found at www.dramaed.net/benefits.pdf.
CLS rotates between grades 1-2 and 3-4 with a spring musical or operetta. Previous shows have included Nic at Night, Ei Ei…oops, Go Fish and In the Big Inning. Students in grades 7-8 are given the opportunity to help run lights and sound for these productions.
Strings
The orchestra program at CLS is available to all students in Kindergarten through grade 8. Students are taught in small group lessons and rehearsals based on grade in school. CLS owns several of the larger string instruments such as viola, cello, and bass for those students who would like to help diversify the orchestra’s instrumentation. Mrs. Addi Evans is the orchestra director for all grades at CLS.
“Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world.”
– Martin Luther
Beginner Orchestra
The Beginner Orchestra is for all string students in Kindergarten through grade 3. In this orchestra, I teach students the basics of playing either violin, viola or cello. We work on posture and bow hold, basic note reading, and playing simple songs both in an orchestra setting and solo setting. Each year we have two orchestra concerts, two solo recitals, as well as some optional performance opportunities playing out in the community.
Chamber Orchestra
The Chamber Orchestra is for all string students in grades 4-8 and is designed to continue developing individual technique through ensemble and solo performances. In Chamber Orchestra, we focus on more advanced techniques and repertoire. Performance opportunities include two orchestra concerts, two solo recitals, Chapel, Concordia Sundays (at association churches), Arts in Education, IGSMA District & State Organizational Contests, as well as IGSMA Solo and Ensemble contest.
Choir
“Sing to the LORD a new song; Sing to the LORD, all the earth. Sing to the LORD, bless His name; Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day.”
– Psalms 96:1-2
Singing is an integral part of the musical education of all students at CLS. Whether we sing during morning devotions, hymns at chapel, songs at contest, or the doxology at the end of the day, singing is an important part of who we are as Christians. Singing is integrated into all general music classes in grades Kindergarten – 5, with students also participating in grade specific choirs. Mr. Eric Hipple is the director for all CLS choirs. He is a 1996 graduate of Concordia University – Chicago with a Bachelor of Music Education and is proud to begin his 20th year of teaching in Lutheran schools.
“Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world.”
– Martin Luther
Cherub Choir
The Cherub Choir is made up of students in Kindergarten through grade 2. They perform simple sacred and folk unison songs often accompanied by piano or guitar and many times incorporate movement. The Cherub Choir sings several times a year in chapel, at our association churches, and at the Christmas and Spring Concerts.
Kids of the Kingdom Choir
The KOTC Choir is made up of students in grades 3-5. They perform both unison and two part sacred and secular songs accompanied by piano. The KOTC Choir sings several times a year in chapel, at our association churches, and at the Christmas and Spring Concerts. They also participate in the chorus during the 3-4th grade spring musical. Vocalists in grades 4-5 who desire a challenge can also participate in the Illinois Grade School Music Association [IGSMA] contest in the spring.
Concert Choir
The Concert Choir is an elective choir made up of students in grades 6-8. They perform two and three part sacred and secular songs accompanied by piano. The Concert Choir rehearses two times each week from 7:30-8:15 am. They typically perform once each month both at school and throughout the community. Performance opportunities include chapel, Concordia Sundays [at association churches], Arts in Education, and IGSMA District & State Organizational Contests. Vocalists in grades 6-8 who desire a challenge can also participate in the Illinois Grade School Music Association [IGSMA] contest in the spring.
Concordia Lutheran School Choir Director History
Classroom Music
Concordia Lutheran School has a rich heritage of providing students with access to quality music instruction. Whether through the band, choral, classroom, or string program, students learn to use their developing musical skills to give glory to our great God! Children begin to experience the joy of music in our classroom music program which starts in Kindergarten. Through singing, listening, movement, instrument playing, and improvisation, children are given the opportunity to have fun through song. Primary grades focus on simple songs and often perform in chapel.
Students in grades 3-4 have the opportunity to begin playing the recorder using the Recorder Karate method. Using Smart Board technology, the students learn note reading and counting, while performing classic folk melodies together. They also earn “belts” to hang on their recorder to demonstrate their musical progress. Students who which to continue playing their recorder beyond grade 4 can join the Recorder Consort [available when there is student interest].
Students in grades Kindergarten – 5 experience the fun of making music through the Music Express Magazine series. They sing, dance, create, evaluate, and watch music through this interactive Smart Board series. Music Express also provides school-wide choral concert programs.
Students in grades 6-8 participate in weekly music classes. Each grade is unique and builds on previous units. Topics that are covered include Around the Musical World in 18 Weeks, Music Through the Alphabet, Music History: From Rock to Bach, The Soundtrack of Your Life, Movie Music, The Advent Movie Trailer, and Classroom Guitar. Junior High students often use their Chrome Books during music classes.
Mr. Eric Hipple is the teacher for all CLS classroom music. He is a 1996 graduate of Concordia University – Chicago with a Bachelor of Music Education and is proud to begin his 20th year of teaching in Lutheran schools.
Band
The bands at CLS have a long tradition of excellence since the beginning of our school in 1959. Many directors have worked to build the program over the past 50+ years [see director list below]. Mr. Eric Hipple is the director for all CLS bands. He is a 1996 graduate of Concordia University – Chicago with a Bachelor of Music Education and is proud to begin his 20th year of teaching in Lutheran schools.
“Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world.”
– Martin Luther
Cadet Band
The Cadet Band is for students who have never played a band instrument before. Band instruction is formally started in 4th grade, however students in higher grades can also join the Cadet Band. The Cadets primarily use a prescribed band method book along with sheet music. Cadet Band members have one group rehearsal from 7:30-8:15 am and one small group lesson during the school day each week. They participate in the Marching Cougar Band as part of our “Proud Beginners” section and Honor Guard. They graduate to the full marching band in their second year. The Cadets perform several small informal concerts throughout the year and play in both the Christmas and Spring Concerts. Instrumentalists who desire a challenge can also participate in the Illinois Grade School Music Association [IGSMA] contest in the spring.
Concert Band
The Concert Band is for all band students with two or more years of experience. The band performs both sacred and secular songs of grade 2-3 difficulty. The Concert Band rehearses two times each week from 7:30-8:15 am. Students also receive one small group lesson during school each week. They perform at least once each month both at school and throughout the community. Performance opportunities include chapel, Concordia Sundays [at association churches], Arts in Education, and IGSMA District & State Organizational Contests. Instrumentalists who desire a challenge can also participate in the Illinois Grade School Music Association [IGSMA] contest in the spring. Students can also participate in the ILMEA All-District Festival and the IL Lutheran Honor Band Festival. All Concert Band members participate in the Marching Cougar Band.
Marching Cougar Band
The Marching Cougars were established in 1971 by Director Jan Kiesgen as a way to bolster the school’s band program. Since its inception, the band has performed 10 times in Washington D.C. [the first grade school band to perform in the annual Cherry Blossom Parade] and has played for Presidents Johnson, Ford, and Reagan. The Marching Cougars participate in local parades each fall including the Pekin Marigold Festival, Morton Pumpkin Festival, Peoria Veterans Day Parade, and the Peoria Santa Claus Parade. The band recently represented the City of Peoria and the State of Illinois at the 2015 National Independence Day Parade in Washington D.C.
Band Parent Organization
All parents of band students are members of the Band Parent Organization. The BPO will hold meetings throughout the school year to provide updates to our families on a variety of topics, including performances, fundraisers, and the Spring band trip. This organization also helps to keep our in-house instruments and uniforms in tip-top shape. Please click on the link below for important information & equipment forms.
Concordia Lutheran School Band Director History
Lutheran Honor Band of Illinois
Former LHB guest conductors include Dr. Pete Griffin [University of Illinois], Dr. Matthew Luttrell [Illinois State University], Robert Sheldon [composer], Dr. David Vroman [Bradley University], James Swearingen [composer & Ohio State University], Dr. Daniel Belongia [Illinois State University], Mrs. Margene Pappas [retired Oswego CUSD], Tom Philbrick [band director], Dr. John Korak [Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville], Timothy Loest [composer & band director], Dr. Jen Moder [McKendree University], and Dr. Richard Fischer [Concordia University – Chicago].