With over 300 performers and an audience of almost 1000 strong, the annual Elementary Holiday Concert is far and away the most popular event at Cleveland school…and in the entire community as well.
And while students in grades K through six spend several months preparing to take the stage in the new gym, the music program is so much more than delighting family and friends on a December afternoon.
“There is research that shows the many benefits of music education for children,” said Music Specialist Lacey Johnson, who was hired in the fall of 2021. “These benefits include improving language development, coordination, memorization and pattern recognition.”
Johnson said that studying and performing music also helps students in their formative years by improving their creative thinking, bolstering their self-confidence and giving them an opportunity to be a part of a productive team.
“What I see daily is that students learn lifelong skills from participating in music such as the benefits of working hard, working together with others in a group, increasing self-esteem, fostering creativity, increasing listening skills, plus just having fun with their peers. They work hard to achieve their goals and take pride in the results. A music program in schools helps to give students a well-rounded education.”
Principal Scott Lusk, who, along with superintendent Brian Phillips and assistant principal David Cink, worked in harmony to put the elementary music program back in place after a hiatus of over two decades, agreed.
“Music education allows all students to be exposed to music and for students who have a high interest in music to extend their knowledge. We know nearly everyone enjoys music, whether by listening to it, by singing or by playing an instrument. When music education is sustained throughout the elementary years, children continue to learn better through the clear connections between music and other areas.”
Johnson said some students struggle in their regular classroom but can come to music class and thrive.
“They can be on a level playing field with everyone else. All students have an equal opportunity to improve their singing voice, play instruments, and interact with the musical activities which gives some students the confidence and self-esteem boost that they need.”
To accompany the young voices, Johnson has incorporated percussion instruments in her classroom and on stage: tambourines, rhythm sticks, xylophones and the like.
“This is a way for students to not only hear the music but feel it as they are playing it,” she said.
As a prelude to their likely matriculation into Erik Hermanson’s band program, fourth and fifth graders also learn to play recorders.
“Parents have been receptive to new programs, such as a recorder unit and have been happy to purchase recorders for their children to use,” Johnson said.
She uses technology in her classroom as well.
“These elementary students have always had technology such as smartboards and Chromebooks as a part of their education, so they don’t know any differently. This also means they respond well to these methods because they are second nature to them, and I get high levels of engagement this way. Pretty much everything I teach is presented on my smartboard, which makes it easy for all the students to follow along and interact with the lesson. I use Chromebooks as well for individual practice with musical concepts or activities.”
The Christmas concert is a venue where Johnson can demonstrate what her students have learned as well as entertain the audience, and she appreciates its large draw.
“I think it shows how supportive the community is, both of the school and especially of arts education. I love that the concert is highly attended, and the students take pride in being able to show off their hard work at the concert.”
Above: Music specialist Lacey Johnson uses technology in her music classroom as well as instruments.
Fourth graders rehearse for the holiday concert.
Fourth grader Clara Hilfer plays a güiro shaker, a traditional instrument used in the Caribbean. At left is classmate Lauren Honza.
Lacey Johnson reviews a “rhythm math” worksheet with fourth grader Mackenzie Borer.