Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

The orchestra program at St. Teresa School in Lincoln is enhancing students' academic and personal development through music education. The initiative, led by vocal music and strings teacher Teri Schilmoeller, has grown significantly since its inception six years ago.

The program began with a small group of students interested in string instruments following an Irish music concert at the school. Schilmoeller recalled, “There were about four students who took string lessons on their own.” She enlisted the help of her friend Diane Temme Stinton, a skilled violinist, to mentor these students. Their performance inspired a generous donation that enabled the purchase of instruments and books for a summer strings camp.

As more contributions came in, Schilmoeller expanded the program so every third-grader now learns violin as part of the curriculum. Students from fourth to eighth grade can continue with the program and choose from instruments like viola, cello, or double-bass. Families are required to pay only a $20 rental fee for instruments.

Schilmoeller and Stinton aim to expose students to diverse musical genres. “Diane and I also try to program a variety of musical genres,” said Schilmoeller. This approach aligns with St. Teresa School's mission to nurture students' sense of wonder and guide them towards truth, beauty, and goodness.

Research supports the benefits of instrumental training on academic success, particularly in math skills. “Learning an instrument activates the same part of the brain used for spatial reasoning and other cognitive skills,” explained Schilmoeller. Additionally, playing in an ensemble fosters discipline and attention to detail.

Students have options beyond strings; they can join the choir or participate in what Schilmoeller calls the "fantastic band program," directed by Melissa King. The support from families is vital to this thriving music education environment. “This kind of support makes it a blessing to teach music at the school,” Schilmoeller stated.

The orchestra performs at key school events such as Christmas and spring concerts and provides music during Masses throughout the year. Recently, they participated in a Mass dedicated to Poor Souls in Purgatory with Charles Gounod’s "Kyrie."

Preparations are underway for this year's Christmas concert on December 19th at 7 p.m., which will feature a sing-along accompanied by the orchestra.