Music Program Flourishes with Rising Participation

There are many reasons why students want to join the New Life music program. Zach D., a senior and new member of Upper School Choir and Morningstar, mentions, “I wanted to investigate what singing is, what choir is, and then New Life and Morningstar have really shown me how much fun it is to really perform and sing.”

While many new students have joined, several have been involved in the music program for a long time. Brooke P., a sophomore who has been involved in the New Life music program since her time as a Lower School student, comments, “My favorite part is building relationships with the people involved and getting to use my voice to praise and honor God. These programs have brought so many of us together and given us a way to share our passion for music while spreading the joy of Christ. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience in the fine arts program here at New Life!”

Students who join the music program at New Life have many opportunities to showcase their hard work. Many of the ensembles share their talent at different schools, sing in chapels and churches, perform at a Timberwolves game, and bring special concerts to our own New Life community. Zach states, “I would say the performance opportunities are my favorite part. I haven’t been in that many performances right now, but it’s so cool to be able to bring your music to other people because you spend so much time practicing it, but then it’s a different thing to be able to bless other people with it.”

There are also many leadership opportunities for students in the music program. Brooke shares, “Last year, I served as an alto section leader, and this year my directing partner, Greyson G., and I will be directing the spring concert.”

While there are many changes this year, the music program has had two long-running teachers, Mrs. Martinson (choir) and Ms. Allard (band). They have both contributed significantly to the growth and improvement of New Life’s music program. Mrs. Martinson reflects, “I feel like the teachers have done a good job. You look at theater and how much that’s grown, and you look at the fine arts in general; it just has grown. Often, it’s because you keep the same teachers. So, I’d like to think that being here 39 years has paid off.”

New Life’s music program has brought students much joy and improvement over the years. Mrs. Martinson describes one of her favorite parts of the music program, “The growth in students. God has gifted them with this talent, and to see them from middle school into high school, and being in choir and Morningstar, to see that musical growth. Then we get to go out and share the gospel.”