MUSIC & FINE ARTS
Extracurriculars
Here at Immanuel, we not only value and teach the language of music, we value and pursue an even greater calling — to serve and worship our God. All of us — teachers, parents, and students alike — have been called to use our talents and to use them in a way that brings honor and glory to God.
Immanuel has a comprehensive, rewarding, & fulfilling music and fine arts program with opportunities in Vocal Ensembles, Handbells, Band, Musicals and more.
Vocal Ensembles
Participating in a vocal ensemble is an exciting and fulfilling musical experience. Working together, those who enjoy singing can blend their voices to make music that touches the listener in the way that the spoken word only rarely can. Here at Immanuel Lutheran School, students have the opportunity to participate in various vocal groups depending on grade.
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Students in these classes have a natural love for music and singing. Students enjoy music while singing and participating in related activities during daily classes. They also have the opportunity to sing songs of praise to their Lord during preschool chapel time and sing as a group in several worship services at Immanuel during the school year.
K-4 Music Information and Dates 2025-26
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All students in Grades K through 4 participate in a choir class as part of their regular music instruction at Immanuel. Students learn about the fundamentals of singing through fun-filled vocal warm ups, hymns and contemporary praise songs, traditional and folk songs, song/movement videos, and more. Students in Grades K, 1-2 and 3-4 have the opportunity to prepare songs and sing praises to our Lord when their group participates periodically in weekend worship services at Immanuel. Students in the 3rd and 4th Grade Choir also perform several selections at the Spring Concert in May, which gives students an opportunity to showcase what they’ve learned in classes throughout the year.
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This extra-curricular group brings together the voices of students in grades 5-8. Its purpose is to praise the Lord through song and further develop the musical talents He has given us. Students are expected to make a commitment to attend practices and performances as scheduled. This group rehearses on Thursday mornings at 7:30 a.m. from August through May in the church basement music room. The group is led by Immanuel’s 8th grade teacher Mrs. Cena Becker, an experienced musician who truly enjoys working with students to help them use their voices to fullest potential. Mrs. Kris Bartelt, Immanuel’s music teacher, serves as the group’s accompanist and assists Mrs. Becker with this group. The Chancel Choir, also referred to as the School Chorus, performs as a group at two concerts during the school year — the Winter Concert and the Spring Concert. In addition, this group sings specially chosen selections at various Immanuel church worship services. Every other year, all chorus members participate in the gr. 5-8 fall musical. Many of the Chancel Choir members also sing in vocal ensembles and/or prepare solos for the D300 Solo and Ensemble Contest as well, and the chorus sings as a group in the Lutheran Fine Arts Festival each spring.
Handbell Ensembles
Being part of a handbell group is a terrific learning experience which is both challenging and fun! Each student is assigned to play several bells from the musical scale (for example, middle C and D) and rings a bell each time he/she sees the note representing that bell written on the page of music. Together, the choir of bell ringers makes beautiful music–but it requires a great deal of teamwork and concentration. It can be said that being part of a bell choir is an experience that is both rewarding and unique at the same time. Here at Immanuel Lutheran School, our older students have the opportunity to participate in several handbell ensembles.
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This group typically includes students in grades 7-8. They meet for rehearsals on Wednesday mornings at 7:30 a.m. in the church balcony from the end of August through May. The group is led by Mrs. Shelly Pieper, an excellent teacher and musician with a wide variety of musical experiences and interests. The Chancel Ringers usually perform at two concerts throughout the school year —the Winter Concert and the Spring Concert. They also work together to play special music for various Immanuel Lutheran Church worship services.
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This group typically includes students in grades 5 and 6, and begins on Friday mornings at 7:30 near the start of the second semester each January. Students use both handbells and handchimes to create their music in the church balcony from January through May. This group is also directed by Mrs. Shelly Pieper. The Chancel Chimes are normally scheduled to perform in at least one concert each school year (the Spring Concert in May), as well as during several worship services at Immanuel Lutheran Church.
Band Ensembles
Immanuel offers a variety of band opportunities. Specific information for band is distributed at Registration Day before the start of each school year. Please contact Mr. Gade, band director with any band related questions as well as cost/tuition to participate.
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Typically, Immanuel's Concert Band involves students in grades 6 through 8 and performs at two concerts — one in winter and one in spring. Many band students also play at the D300 Solo and Ensemble Contest each April. In some years band students also play at one or two Immanuel Church services as well as the Lutheran Honor Band Festival in Peoria.
Concert and Cadet Bands and specific group rehearsals take place before school. Weekly student instrument lessons are held during the school day (as a "pull out" on a rotating schedule so the student doesn't miss the same subject each time.)
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Our Cadet Band for beginning students is comprised mostly of 5th and 6th graders, and performs first at a mini-concert in March or April, and then at the spring concert in May.
Large group rehearsals are held weekly before the school day, with weekly lessons for students on their instruments during the school day (as a "pull out" on a rotating schedule so the student doesn't miss the same subject each time).
Musicals
We provides students with the exciting opportunity to participate in musical productions several times during their time at Immanuel. This structure ensures that every student has the chance to showcase their talents and engage in the collaborative experience of putting on a musical while fostering a love for the performing arts.
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Each year, Immanuel’s PK students perform a special program featuring their singing, dancing, new knowledge and smiles that receives rave reviews from parents, grandparents and friends. Thanks to our teachers and classroom aides who work so diligently to help these little ones shine and share what they’re learning!
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Throughout the school year kindergarten students learn songs, actions and more to share at their annual May Kindergarten Showcase. They can be found singing, learning and smiling throughout the months of each school year to get ready for this special performance for family and friends.
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Grades 1-4 students work together to present a musical every other spring. What fun we have learning and performing as we showcase our musical and drama abilities while helping others understand the real truth about God's enduring love and faithfulness to His people!
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Students in Immanuel's grades 5-8 work together to present a musical every other fall. Our musicals showcase the talents of a wide variety of ILS students, who participate by acting, singing, dancing, managing stage and props, serving on sound and spotlight crew, and more. We praise God for blessing us with the opportunity to have fun putting on a show and grow as we use our talents to His glory.
Other Music / Fine Arts Opportunities
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A select group of Immanuel’s more experienced band students are selected to perform at this event each March.
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The D300 Piano Festival in April is open to piano students in grades 3-8 who attend school in the district. Further information and the opportunity to register is shared with students during music class early in January.
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The D300 Solo and Ensemble Contest is held in February each year. Mr. Gade communicates with band students and their parents about this opportunity. Mrs. Becker connects with our 8th grade vocalists about the opportunity to participate.
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The Lutheran Schools Fine Arts Festival is held each April at Grace Lutheran School in River Forest. What a wonderful opportunity this has been over the years for our students to grow in their musical abilities and experiences! The music-filled day typically begins after lunch and culminates in a grand evening concert featuring performances by the mass bells, mass band, mass choir, and selected student entries from participating school. In addition to musical entries, ILS also send some art projects to be judged. Mrs. Becker sends information to students and families in mid January.