Thank you for checking out the Lineville Choir Program! This page is designed to help answer questions that incoming 5th grade students and their parents may have about taking choir at Lineville. My name is Mrs. Doelger and I am the choir director at Lineville. This is my 20th year teaching choir in the Howard-Suamico School District. The first 15 years of my career I spent at Bay Port and then I made the switch to Lineville. I am loving my time at Lineville and know that your child will also enjoy their time here as well! I am looking forward to meeting and working with your student next year.
If the information below does not answer all of your questions please feel free to contact me at [email protected] or if it is easier you can complete the form at the bottom of the page and send your questions to me through the form. I look forward to meeting you and your child!
Chorally Yours,
Mrs. Doelger
If the information below does not answer all of your questions please feel free to contact me at [email protected] or if it is easier you can complete the form at the bottom of the page and send your questions to me through the form. I look forward to meeting you and your child!
Chorally Yours,
Mrs. Doelger
Will there be performances or concerts?
Yes. There will be 3 concerts throughout the course of the school year. 5th Grade concerts will take place in January and May in the evening. Traditionally 5th Grade concerts are 30 minutes or less in length. The third concert is a district wide concert that features all of the choirs in the school district grades 5-12. This concert takes place in April at Bay Port in the Field House (gym) and is traditionally an hour or less.
Are students expected to attend performances & concerts?
Yes. Concerts are a time for your child to 'show off' everything they have learned and accomplished over the course of the semester. Students look forward to these events and are eager to share what they have learned with you. In addition, concert performances are also used as a formal assessment for the students. If you have questions or concerns regarding concert attendance please contact me at [email protected]
What do students wear to concerts?
Lineville Choir students wear a choir t-shirt to our concerts. T-shirts will be sold to students at the beginning of the school year and will cost no more than $10. Students may then choose to wear shorts, pants, jeans, skirts, leggings, etc with their t-shirt. They are encourage to wear comfortable but clean shoes. Students are also allowed to wear a long-sleeve shirt (whatever color they like) underneath their t-shirt if they wish. There is no need for you to spend money and purchase additional clothes for your child (other than the t-shirt). The only restrictions are 1) clothing must comply with school rules 2) No high heels 3) No hats 4) If at all possible please avoid athletic pants, sweatpants, yoga pants, or athletic shorts.
Do students have to sing by themselves?
No. Students will never be required to sing alone. However, for those students who are eager to try singing alone there is a new class being offered this year - Vocal Performance. This class must be taken in conjunction with band, choir, or orchestra and is only a semester long. For more information please view the Vocal Performance section further down the screen.
What type of music will students learn?
Students will perform all styles of music. 5th graders will focus on world music, popular music, and traditional choral music. 6th graders will focus on folk songs, jazz, spirituals, musical theatre, popular music and traditional choral music.
Will students learn how to read music?
Yes. The Howard-Suamico 5-12 Music Staff uses the 'Progressive Sight-Reading' method for teaching our students how to read music. This innovative approach to learning how to read music is founded in years of research and is similar to the 'Suzuki Method' commonly used to teach string instruments. This method teaches music like it would a foreign language. To our brains music is a foreign language. Researchers have found that our brains learn language in a 3 step process... 1) learn what the language sounds like and then imitate those sounds 2) learn what the sounds look like 3) learn how to write the sounds down. In terms of music reading this means students will 1) Learn what notes and rhythms sound like and then imitate those sounds 2) learn what the notes and rhythms look like 3) learn how to write down the notes and rhythms
We are having a difficult time deciding whether to choose an instrument (band or orchestra) or choir. What do you recommend?
This really depends on your child. If your child would really like to sing and play an instrument you have several options. Your child can elect to take 2 music classes. Please contact the Lineville office if your child would like to be in band & choir or orchestra & choir. Another option is your child can choose to play an instrument and also take the Vocal Performance class. However, please note that this class is only a semester long and that your child will be expected to sing by themselves as well as infant of their classmates and other adults. If however your child only wants to take one music class then I would encourage you to try the instrument first. It will be much easier for your student to transition into choir from band or orchestra should you discover that choir is really where they prefer to be. Students who start off in choir and then choose to move to band or orchestra will find themselves behind and will have to put in extra time to get caught up on instrument technique and fingerings.
We are having a difficult time making a decision. Do you have any advice for helping families decide?
The best advice I can give you is this - music should be fun! If your child is expressing an interest in a specific group or instrument follow their lead. Your student will be much more motivated and will get much more out of the learning process if they are participating in something they are interested in. Every person possesses the ability to be musical, however, our strengths and interests will vary greatly from person to person. Set your student up for success and let their passions and interests guide you in deciding if band, choir, or orchestra is the best fit for your student and family. All three programs are strong and well established, what it really comes down to is choosing the path that makes the most sense for your student.