“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 sporting events, 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
- 1962 - 1971 Herbert Franzen
- 1970 – 1971 Betty Hohlfeld
- 1971 - 1993 Jan Kiesgen
- 1972 - 1973 Virginia Flakne
- 1972 – 2014 Bruce Tagge
- 1973 - 1975 Larry Neumann
- 1983 - 1984 Kevin Borchers
- 2013 - 2014 Katie Tagge
- 2014 - present Eric Hipple
- Several unknown individuals
Classroom Music
“Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world.”
- Martin Luther
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 a 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.
