On Saturday, October 29, the Luther College Community Music School (LCCMS) hosted the Young Person’s Concert in the Jensen-Noble Hall of Music Orchestra room. The event began at 10:30 a.m. with music education students taking the lead on interactively teaching preschool and young elementary students about music. 

The LCCMS, which began in 2017, provides 30-minute private lessons for various instruments, organizes community events and creates learning opportunities for homeschooled children and development centers in Decorah. Private lesson students also perform a recital to showcase their learning at the end of each semester. 

The school closed at the start of the pandemic and reopened this fall. Associate Professor of Education and Coordinator of Music Education Jill Wilson also serves as LCCMS Coordinator. Under her direction, music education students volunteer to teach young children about musical instruments. For this event, the volunteer students worked to bring a picture book to life.

Music education major Riley Frank (‘23) participated in the event by teaching young students how to play the trumpet. He expressed why he believed the event is important to both the Luther Community and Decorah.

“I think one of the biggest things Luther students lost during the pandemic was interaction with

the community and the ability to get hands-on experience teaching,” Frank said. “This event helps to not only provide that experience to Luther students who can use it to further their own

professional development, but it also gives the kids and Community Music School members

involved a chance to explore music making in a fun and positive way.”

The event began with Madison Becthold (‘24) reading the children’s book “The Remarkable Farkle McBride” by John Lithgow. The children listened intently as the titular character learned the flute, drums, trombone, and trumpet. With each of the instruments the character learns, Becthold called on one of the other music education students to demonstrate how to play the instrument to the children. At each note and melody, the young students were seen smiling and imitating the motions made by the musicians. 

To take a break in the middle of reading, Wilson instructed the audience to follow a musical beat by tapping their knees or the tips of their fingers, clapping, and rolling their fists towards the ground. “March” from Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker” began to play while both parents and children followed Wilson’s movements. 

At the end of the reading, the children were encouraged to approach trumpet, ukulele, piano, drums, flute, and violin stations to learn more about them and to try playing them. Becthold expressed her appreciation for being able to participate in the event. 

“Events like this are important because they help introduce children and families in the community to new instruments,” Becthold said. “As a future music educator, I am very grateful for the opportunity to introduce children to how much fun music can be.”

Associate Professor of English Marie Drews (‘02) was in attendance with her daughter.

She shared her experience at the event and how much she enjoyed seeing Luther students

interacting with the community.

“I really love watching future education majors interact with the children who attend,” Drews said. “There’s something pretty magical about seeing students, who are immersed in their study of music and becoming experts in their areas of focus, chat with curious kids and show them how to try out the different instruments. Kids never cease to surprise us with their questions and their capacities, and seeing students access patience and an ability to explain their instruments showcases their ability to move into educational environments after graduation.”

Students from the community will be performing their recital on November 14 at 7 p.m. in the Noble Recital Hall. All are welcome to attend.