School orchestra program encourages students’ sense of wonder, cultivates discipline
By S.L. Hansen
for the Register
Multiple studies have found a correlation between training in instrumental music and academic success, specifically math skills.
Forty-five members strong, the orchestra at St. Teresa School in Lincoln gives students the opportunity to develop skills that enhance their academic success.
Vocal music and strings teacher Teri Schilmoeller has been offering a strings program since an Irish music concert was held at the school six years ago.
“There were about four students who took string lessons on their own,” Schilmoeller recalled. “I asked my friend Diane Temme Stinton — who is a talented violinist — to work with them a few times as a group, and then we featured them on a song in the Irish concert.”
The performance was so delightful, somebody in the audience approached Schilmoeller after the concert to propose expanding strings music at St. Teresa School. That person provided a generous donation, which enabled the school to purchase instruments and books for a strings camp the following summer.
More donations came in, both large and small. Schilmoeller was able to purchase more instruments, replacement strings and other equipment, to the point where every third-grader in the school learns violin as part of the regular music curriculum. Stinton, who continues to volunteer as co-teacher, has provided much valuable assistance in making the program a success.
Fourth- through eighth-graders have the option to continue with the strings program, either remaining on violin or learning viola, cello or double-bass. Families need only pay a $20 rental fee for the instrument, although a few supplement music lessons at school with private instruction.
As the strings program grew, so did the types of music that the students learn to play.
“Diane and I also try to program a variety of musical genres, so the kids play music of a wide range of styles and from various musical periods while they are at St. Teresa’s,” Schilmoeller said.
Their approach meshes well with St. Teresa School’s mission to “nurture students’ natural sense of wonder and guide them to know and love truth, beauty, and goodness, and to live as virtuous disciples of Jesus Christ with their hearts set on true and lasting joy.”
Schilmoeller noted that multiple studies have found a correlation between training in instrumental music and academic success, specifically math skills.
“Learning an instrument activates the same part of the brain used for spatial reasoning and other cognitive skills,” she explained. “Instrumental music also requires exercising one’s coordination and perseverance.”
What’s more, learning to play in an ensemble like the St. Teresa School Orchestra cultivates discipline, attention to details, and vigilance.
For the students, Schilmoeller said, “It’s a lot of fun! Striving for unity – especially when the end result can be a piece of beautiful art – is such a valuable experience for kids. They really take pride in creating something special together.”
Students also have the option of learning to perform in a musical ensemble in the choir. If string instruments are not a student’s cup of tea, once he or she gets to fifth grade, the student can join what Schilmoeller calls the “fantastic band program,” which is directed by Melissa King.
Schimoeller expressed her gratitude to the families of St. Teresa School, who appreciate the importance of music education.
“This kind of support makes it a blessing to teach music at the school,” she said. “It also fosters an atmosphere where kids strive for musical excellence and want to be a part of the music programs we offer.”
Like the band, the orchestra performs at the school’s annual Christmas and spring concerts. Strings students also provide music for Mass a handful of times each academic year.
During the first week of November, the school’s orchestra and choir joined a few adults to provide music for the communion meditation moments at a school Mass dedicated to the Poor Souls in Purgatory. They performed “Kyrie” by Charles Gounod, an inspiring 19th century piece of sacred music, chosen to inspire those in attendance to reflect on the mercy of the Lord.
Now the students are preparing for the school’s Christmas concert, which this year will be a sing-along accompanied by the orchestra. All are welcome to attend the event, which will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 19, in the school gym.
Photos by Laura Minchow | St. Teresa School
