Music is an integral part of learning at Olympia Christian School, in Olympia, Washington.
The music program begins right away with kindergarten through second-grade students learning to play recorders and small bells. This is followed by teaching chimes to students in grades three-five. Sixth-eighth graders make use of the larger bells which are part of a beautiful five-octave set of bells gifted to the school years ago.
Three years ago, the school of 38 students had no bell teacher for the school year. Sharron Schwartz, OCS principal, emailed area churches hoping to connect with bell choir directors. She heard back from Leah Wilson, a professional instructor who directs several bell choirs in the area.
Before long, a funded music partnership was established. Through the pandemic school year, Wilson taught two classes, recorded concerts for churches and directed two in-person concerts.
“She has done an outstanding job of teaching our students to honor the Lord through their music while having fun and a gaining sense of accomplishment from their diligence and teamwork,” Schwartz says.
A letter recently arrived at OCS from professional violinist, Mary Jo Rydholm. The Student Orchestra of Greater Olympia had received a grant to offer beginning instrument lessons to local students.
Rydholm offered to establish a string orchestra program at OCS to teach students violin, viola and cello and to give instruction for simple accompaniments to hymns. When the program finally launched in March 2021, 18 students were enrolled. In just eight weeks’ time, the students had enough skill learned to perform “This Is My Father’s World.”
“We are grateful for how Leah Wilson and Mary Jo Rydholm have showered OCS with their musical talents," says Schwartz. "Both are dedicated Christians who live out their Christianity in the music they choose to teach and in the venues they play. God had moved ahead of us for this music partnership to help students with hidden musical talents."
In every grade level, Olympia Christian School students are progressively learning new musical skills in preparation for joining the school's large bell choir in grades 6-8.
Olympia Christian School loves growing young musicians and appreciates how the community is joining them in this investment.
Olympia Christian School's music program and partnerships is uncovering musical talent.
