EDUCATION: Choir has become very popular with Shakamak Elementary students

Submitted photos Amy Wise (left) is the director of the Shakamak Elementary Choir (above). The choir has performed in Washington, D.C., Nashville, St. Louis, Chicago and three times at Disney World in Orlando, Fla. The group has sung at a Pacers game in Indianapolis and in April will travel to St. Louis to perform at a Cardinal and Chicago Cubs baseball game.

JASONVILLE -- They are only small children but their voices capture audiences.

Those voices are MSD of Shakamak's Elementary Choir consisting of 50 students in grades four through six under the direction of Amy Wise.

They have made a name for themselves as they, not only perform locally and at school functions, but travel the country entertaining with song.

Amy Wise

The choir has performed in Washington, D.C., Nashville, St. Louis, Chicago and three times at Disney World in Orlando, Fla. The group has sung at a Pacers game in Indianapolis and in April will travel to St. Louis to perform at a Cardinal and Chicago Cubs baseball game.

"We also do a lot of fish fries, nursing homes and school dinners," noted Wise. "We perform at least five times a year."

One of the favorite performances is the annual Christmas program which attracts a large audience.

Elementary Principal Mike Mogan said it is his first year at Shakamak and was surprised at the turnout.

"I couldn't believe the size of the Christmas program," noted Mogan. "It was amazing for an afternoon performance. The bleachers that hold 1,200 to 1,400 people were full, and about 400 people were sitting on the floor and at least 100 people were standing. I was impressed. I'm glad she is our music teacher."

Speaking of out-of-town trips, Wise noted that it was extremely stressful going to Disney World due to their strenuous guidelines. Everything has to be by Disney standards, such as what choir members wear and what songs can be sung.

"The first year we began (the choir) we took 80 kids to Disney World, and every penny was funded," said Wise.

Wise went on to explain that the group takes a long trip every three years, and the other two years they take shorter overnight trips such as to Chicago or Indianapolis.

"Overnight trips are accompanied by a parent," Wise explained. "I have a lot of support. I couldn't do it without parents. I look at it like we're partners. Without parents, their support and financial backing, I couldn't be successful. The administration and teachers are very supportive, also."

Before 1992, there had never been an elementary choir at Shakamak School.

"A parent came to me one day and asked if we could have a choir," noted Wise. "I didn't know how we could fund it, but she said she would get some parents together and begin raising money to buy music and equipment. It is basically a self-funded group."

After that first initial discussion with a parent, Wise got busy with organization, and with the support of parents, school staff and administration, it soon materialized.

To be a member of the choir, Wise explained that students have to audition in the spring. Third graders or anyone in the fourth and fifth grades who are not choir members may try out.

Voices are tested at the audition, and each student is given the Sutherland Listening Exam that determines how the student hears music, pitch and rhythm, Wise explained.

"Approximately 150 kids try out for 20 spots," Wise said. "Basically, each year we just replace the sixth graders who are leaving. At the present time, there are 23 boys and 27 girls in the choir.

"Kids sing out," Wise added, "and sing two parts. They are dedicated and give up their recess twice a week to practice."

However, Wise said the bulk of her job is teaching music to grades K-six.

"We do several programs throughout the year, such as a Veteran's Day program, a Christmas program and a program for Grandparent's Day. Usually in the spring, we have a talent show at school for individuals to showcase their talent of singing, playing an instrument, and comedy skits, etc.

"My goal in general music is that by the time they leave me in the sixth grade that they can count basic rhythms, read music in treble clef, play the recorder and know a little about music history and music appreciation. I want to instill lifelong music skills that they can use the rest of their life."

It is no surprise that Wise has been so successful in her musical career. She has loved music all of her life.

She told how as a little girl she wanted an organ. When her family would go to Terre Haute shopping, she would go to the music store and admire the organs.

Finally, her father told her if she could play his favorite song on her keyboard, he would buy her an organ for her birthday.

"I worked and worked on that song," Wise said. "I listened and listened to it on a tape until I had the tune memorized and could play it by ear."

On her next birthday, when she walked into the house, the organ was there, and she began taking lessons.

Wise said her high school music director at Shakamak -- Gail Rogers -- was her mentor and the reason she became a music teacher.

Wise accompanied the Shakamak High School choir on the piano from the time she was in the eighth grade.

When she entered Indiana State University to study music, Rogers helped her with her audition. From that audition, Wise was offered a talent grant that paid 60 percent of her tuition.

"I think Gail Rogers was waiting for me to finish school so she could retire," Wise said.

For 19 years, Wise has taught at Shakamak.

"I love my job. I wouldn't want to do anything else," Wise said. "I bleed 'blue and white.' I love Shakamak."

Now that she and her husband, Rob, have two children, Seth and Rachael, Wise says she is even more excited about her job and can't wait for them to be in her music classes.

Superintendent CG Epple said, "Mrs. Wise is a very dedicated teacher who makes music enjoyable for children. She is a valuable member of Shakamak Elementary School."