Band
"The trumpeters and singers joined in unison, as with one voice, to give praise and thanks to the Lord."
At ESM music plays a vital role in our rich Lutheran history. Students are introduced to basic instruments in general music class at a young age. In third grade, students have the opportunity to take part in strings.
In 4th - 8th grade, they have the opportunity to learn an instrument of their choice. The Fort Wayne Lutheran Schools partner together to offer music as an elective at area schools. Concerts are part of this coordinated band program and scheduled performances or concerts are held at Concordia Lutheran High School. There are usually two concerts a year, one in the winter and the other in the spring.
CHOIR
At Emmanuel-St.Michael our students can participate in a range of musical opportunities. Our vocal choirs start with the kindergarten and first graders. They sing songs in church services and every other year make up the chorus for our K-4 grade spring musical. They learn basic skills of choral singing, begin round singing, foreign language, following a conductor and exploring different ways of using their voice. This choir is directed by Emily Franz.
The next choir includes the 2nd and 3rd graders under the direction of Stephanie Maxson. In this level of singing rounds and two part singing is being learned. This choir sings in church services and makes up the other part of our spring musical chorus. Third graders can audition for a main role in the musical.
The 4th and 5th grade choir is also under the direction of Stephanie Maxson.
The 6-8 grades get to pick their choice of music options. There is a select voice choir, a festival choir, recorder choir and hand bell choir. On years opposite of the K-4 spring musical the 5-8 grade performs in the spring musical.
Along with the choirs our K-4 grade students have a general music class that meets once a week. These classes follow the Indiana State Standards of Music. Our students learn rhythms, simple note reading skills, dynamics, how to play classroom instruments as well as the recorder, instrument families and music history. We learn how to use the many talents we have been given.