Once a week, more than 100 Johnnycake Corners Elementary School (JCES) students make the choice to get out of bed a little earlier and arrive at school a little sooner, just for the chance to sing with their peers. Music teacher Matthew Parker started the choir voluntarily last year as a way to put to use the skills students were learning in music class. He also felt the choir would be a great way to strengthen the sense of community and bridge the age gap between students in third, fourth and fifth grades. Parker says he has been thrilled with the quality of the choir’s performances and with the increase in enthusiasm and camaraderie he has seen in his students. Residents will have the chance to hear the JCES Choir in person when they perform at the February 23 Olentangy Board of Education meeting, which will be held in the Team Room at Olentangy Shanahan Middle School (OSMS) beginning at 6 p.m.
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- The JCES choir is in its second year and currently has approximately 125 members.
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- Music teacher Matthew Parker volunteers his time to lead the group.
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- The choir is open to students in third, fourth and fifth grades.
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- The students choose to come to school early one day each week to sing together.
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- This week students took the time to get familiar with some new songs they will be performing in the spring.
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- The choir has concerts at JCES and recently performed at COSI in Columbus.
