Music Program
About the Music Program
The music program consists of chimes/handbells, strings, vocal choir, and beginning band.
There are mastery levels in all except the vocal choir (music is picked to intentionally move the vocal choir along). Each class is a group class. Placement in each upper level is decided by the director.
Grade level requirements:
Strings: 3rd -12th grade
Chimes: 3rd – 12th grade
Handbell choir: 4th – 12th grade
Vocal choir: 4th – 12th grade
Band: 6th -12th grade
SCIHE membership is required to join the music program. Ready to be a part of SCIHE? Membership can be found here.
There are 16 classes per semester with a concert at the end of each semester. Students are required to wear concert apparel for all performances.
How much does it cost?
Semester fees are $85 for the first student in a classification, $75 for the 2nd student from the same family in the same classification, and $65 for any subsequent students in the same family in the same classification.
For example, if a family has three children in various levels of the strings program, they would pay a total of $225 (made out to the strings director) the first day of class.
If a family has three children, one in strings, one in chimes, and one
in choir, they would pay $255 ($85 to each director).
The same $255 would be paid by a family with only one child in music who is in band, handbells, and choir ($85 to each director).
Strings, band, and sometimes chimes only accept new beginners in August, so if you plan to start a new instrument, please join us now! There are limited openings in chimes/handbells.
Parental Commitment:
Parents of students commit to providing string or band instruments, if necessary, helping their student practice at home, being a great cheerleader for their student’s progress, and covering study hall monitor duty a few times a semester.
Band members will need to purchase their instrument, a music stand, and Essential Elements for band book 1 (specific for your child’s instrument).
Do you have more questions, please contact the Music Coordinator at music@scihe.org.
Strings
Violin Trio is a traveling choir of competent strings players (as determined by the director). Students will perform at various venues (nursing homes and the like)
when possible.
Beginning/Intermediate/Advanced/Orchestra/Ensemble Strings classes are taught at the discretion of the director.
Choir
Choir students will learn beginning vocal technique, sight-singing skills, and music theory.
Choir instruction will be in sacred, patriotic, foreign language, traditional, and classical music.
Band
Each band student will be required to provide his/her own instrument, folding music stand, Method book, 2nd book (concert band only) and pencil.
▪ Method book for beginning band – Essential Elements Book 1
▪ Method book for concert band is Essential Elements Book 2
▪ 2nd required book for concert band: Patriotic Favorites
– Students will learn to care for their instruments, play them with proper technique and form and begin to develop skills in listening, playing, and sight-reading.
– The director will determine requirements for graduation from the beginning band.
– Band music includes sacred, patriotic, classical, traditional, and Christmas.
Band instruments include:
▪ Woodwind: piccolo, flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone
▪ Brass: cornet, trumpet, trombone, French horn, baritone, tuba
▪ Percussion: drums, bells
Chimes & Handbells
Handbell class is for experienced ringers by directors’ invitation, with a maximum of 13 ringers.
Chimes class minimum grade is 3 rd , with a maximum of 11 ringers. All beginning handbell players, regardless of age, will start in chimes.
The bell choirs can be combined if the number of students warrants. Students will learn the basic techniques for handbell and chimes ringing.
– Gloves must be worn at all times when ringing. These must be purchased from the director. Current fee is $6 per pair.
– Handbell music will be sacred, classical, and seasonal music. Occasionally, we will add additional instruments and narrations.
Meet the Directors
Handbells, Chimes, and Choir – Joyce Crowder
Retiring as full time Minister of Music early in 2019, Joyce Crowder has continued to remain very active
in the community of Columbus, Indiana sharing and teaching in community opportunities. As the
Executive Secretary of FABM, she continues to be a national resource in the area of handbells and choral
leading. She feels that her basic calling is in teaching and continues to teach private piano, handbell and
chime classes as well as a Children/Youth Choir for the Southern Indiana Homeschool Educators.
Joyce and her husband Scott have 3 married children and 10 grandchildren who all live in South Central
Indiana. As the Handbell Director at FUM, she invites anyone to join the group. There is always room for
“one more” at the table.
Band – Aaron Laws
Aaron holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of Oklahoma and a Master of Music from Indiana University both in Horn Performance. He is a full time freelance software developer and married to Crystal Laws with three children.
Strings – Vanessa Edwards