Lutheran South Academy Choral Music
The words of Psalm 33:2-3 state "Give thanks to the LORD with the lyre; make melody to him with the harp of ten strings! Sing to him a new song; play skillfully on the strings, with loud voices." At LSA, the purpose to create music is twofold: We are to use instrumental and vocal music to bring praise and glory to our Triune God, yet we are to continually pursue excellence within our skill. Through sacred and secular music, students involved with the choir at LSA will hone their musical strengths and develop their voices for this world. The praise and worship experience provided will give participants and audiences alike a glimpse into the eternal glories of God's Heavenly Kingdom, where all voices will sing of His splendor.
While in the classroom, students will learn basic group vocal technique, creating a healthy way to vocalize. Additionally, students are exposed to age-appropriate music theory.
· Lower School students have two half-hour sessions of general music during the course of the week. Remedial theory in note names, rhythm and musical terminology, as well as proper vocal technique is taught.
· Middle School students choose choir as an elective. 6th Grade and 7th/8th grade choirs meet two to three times a week for one class period. Theory is taught using the choral music learned in preparation for two concerts held at Christmas and the end of the year.
· High School students may chose choir as an elective for a fine art credit. The Concert Choir is open to all students, however the Women's Ensemble is hand selected by the director. As in the Middle School, theory is taught using choral music learned in preparation for two concerts (Christmas and End of the Year), as well as music learned for the TAPPS Music Competition in the early spring.
About the Director:
Melanie Geiger is a graduate of Concordia University Chicago in River Forest, IL with a Bachelor of Music Education (B.M.E) and a B.A. in Theology. During her course of study, she trained with members of the Chicago Lyric Opera (private voice lessons), Prof. Jean Harrison-Bojes (general music methods), Dr. Richard Fischer (instrumental conducting) and Prof. Charles Brown (choral techniques, vocal pedagogy and choral conducting). She sang and toured nationally with Kapelle, Concordia Chicago's premiere choral ensemble, under the direction of Prof. Brown. Outside academia, she has been the Sunday School Music Director for First United Church, located in Oak Park, IL. She has worked with students and various Chicagoland public and private schools, but most recently with the choirs of Westmont Jr. High (Westmont, IL), and Immanuel Church and School in Elmhurst, IL. She is an advocate for music literacy and a member of the Music Educator's National Conference (MENC).
