Vocal Music

From their first week as kindergartners, Webberville students are introduced to the joys of music and are continually encouraged to explore their musical creativity as they grow.  Through the experience of listening and performing, students learn that music is a universal language that inspires us both emotionally and physically.

The Elementary Music Program consists of students in grades K-5.  Our students are introduced to a wide array of musical genres, all while experiencing the basic elements of music.  These include rhythm, melody, harmony, form, expression, timbre, style, and texture. Students will develop musical skills such as singing, playing, reading, creating and moving to music.

Research in music education has shown that music learning happens through a process that is similar to language learning. In order for children to truly understand music, it is important that five musical vocabularies be developed in a specific sequence. These include: listening, speaking, thinking/conversing, reading, and writing.

This is why Webberville Elementary students first learn music "by ear" (through listening, moving, singing/chanting, and improvising) before learning to read and write music notation. Students then can learn to read and write music by associating notation with music sounds rather than traditional letter or time-value names, such as B-flat or quarter note.

Goals of the Webberville Elementary Music Program:
 

  • To provide the best possible musical environment, rich in a variety of tonalities, meters, and styles.
  • To help all students develop musical understanding and skills.
  • To help each student achieve his/her musical potential through individualized instruction.
  • To lay the foundation for a lifetime of music making and enjoyment.

Adapted from "How Children Learn Music" by Dr. Heather Nelson-Shouldice, Assistant Professor of Music Education at Eastern Michigan University

"If you can not teach me to fly, teach me to sing."

- J.M. Barrie

The Webberville Choral Music Program invites students in grades 6-12 to continue their musical education journey with vocal music. An advancement of the music classes offered in elementary, Choral Music offers a much deeper exploration in and development of musicianship skills. Students are also encouraged to develop their creative imagination and are introduced to dramatic conventions with the addition of Musical Theatre within this robust curriculum.

Objectives of the Choral Music Program
 

  • To develop correct vocal habits and techniques
  • To develop musicianship skills (sight-reading, rhythmic training, ear training, reading music notation, etc)
  • To identify musical elements and perform expressively in various styles of music
  • To be a team player
  • To develop confidence within yourself
  • To learn proper performance etiquette both as a performer and a listener
  • To participate actively in social and musical events throughout the year
  • To develop a desire to continue musical experiences and advocate for music
  • To express ideas, thoughts, and evaluations about musical performances in conversation and through writing
  • To be communicators of text, sharing the message of the song within ourselves and to our audiences

"Working Together to Build Choral Excellence through Dedication, Performance and Friendship."​

-Webberville Choir Motto

2023 MSVMA 6-7-8-9 State Honors Choir
Jayla Dale - Soprano
Ethan West - Tenor

2022 MSVMA 6-7-8-9 Regional Honors Choir
Jayla Dale - Soprano
Ethan West - Tenor

MSVMA District 8 HS Solo & Ensemble Festival
Webberville High School Choir - Division I Rating
​January 31, 2020

2020 MSVMA State HS TTBB Honors Choir
Dylan Branch - Bass 2

2020 MSVMA State MS SA Honors Choir
Maeve Chapman - Soprano
Maggie Monroe - Soprano
Bree Stanfield - Soprano

2019 MSVMA Regional Honors Choir
Dylan Branch - Bass 2
Jennica Vaughn - Alto 1

2019 MSVMA MS Regional Honors Choir
Maeve Chapman - Soprano
Maggie Monroe - Soprano
Bree Stanfield - Soprano

MSVMA State Choral Festival
Webberville Middle School Choir - Division I Rating
May 2, 2019

MSVMA District 8 Middle School Choral Festival
Webberville Middle School Choir - Division I Rating
March 22, 2019

MSVMA District 8 High School Choral Festival
Webberville High School Choir - Division II Rating
February 26, 2019

2018 MSVMA All-State HS SATB Honors Choir
Austin Wakeman - Bass 1

MSVMA District 8 High School Choral Festival
Webberville High School Choir - Division II Rating
February 14, 2018

2018 MSVMA State HS SATB Honors Choir
Austin Wakeman - Bass 1

2017 MSVMA HS Regional Honors Choir
Leah Nichols - Alto 1
Austin Wakeman - Bass 1

About Our Director

Mr. Ellul earned his undergraduate degree in Vocal Music Education from Eastern Michigan University in 2016. He has extensive experience teaching music, not only in the elementary and secondary school setting, but also outside of public school.  He leads private voice and piano lessons, has directed two children's choirs, and also serves local parishes through music ministry.

He lives in Mason with his wife, Sarah, a professional clarinetist and manager for Meridian Winds. They have a young daughter, Abigail, who loves music as much as her parents and an adorable cat named Pumpkin. In his free time, Mr. Ellul enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, cooking, baking, being outside and of course, making music.

"As a music educator I am dedicated to sharing with my students that everyone has the ability and privilege to sing. I strive to enhance their growth as individuals in our modern society by providing a safe and engaging classroom where they can express themselves through the music we sing. My students will work together as an ensemble, create friendships, expand on their academic skills, and articulate expressive meanings to the text. I believe that the music we create will change the lives of my students and greatly impact them and our audiences." 

-Alex Ellul