History
A hint of the future was unforseen by John Friesen when he crossed paths with homeschool mother Wanda Nickel. Wanda expressed her dream that her children sing in a traditional choir. Some time later, Mr. Friesen found himself at the Wismer dinner table discussing the idea of a homeschool choir. As the ensemble came to fruition, the Sola Fide support group (from Zion Church) was introduced to the plan for a base of students. In the fall of 2000, forty-one students began weekly rehearsals at Zion Church, previously located at 9th and D streets. The students, ages eight to sixteen, were introduced to traditional choir expectations (such as the three positions of posture), just as continues to this day! In September 2002, Coram Deo began with seventeen members. As homeschool interest continued to grow, January 2003 saw the start of the Preparatory Choir (now named Jubilate Deo). Under the direction of Jan Wismer, 15 students began their choral experience. Deb Badeer directed the 2004-2005 season, and Lorene Wissink assumed directing responsibilities in 2006, and continues to the present. We continue as a non-auditioned choir, as the directors believe all students, with effort, are capable of growing musically. Goals for our students include increasing musical understanding and ability and developing a love of music they can build on the rest of their lives. From the Founder and Past Program Director, Dr. John C. Friesen April 2015 "Fifteen years? Who knew how long this would last?! The Homeschool Choir program was an unexpected phenomenon! I was only six years old when, after singing at the top of my lungs to the accompaniment of the player piano at Grandpa Friesen's house, a relative asked if I would someday like to sing in the Vienna Boy's Choir. Not actually knowing what that meant, I said, "yes," and knew instinctively that it must be something wonderful. Our church provided graded choirs, so I sang and grew musically and spiritually over the years. It was 1985 when I dreamed aloud to my brother that perhaps I could start a children's choir to supplement my teaching studio. The dream was soon forgotten with the excitement of moving to Taiwan to teach. Returning to Lincoln to immerse myself in doctoral students prevented the dream from surfacing until briefly, as director of First Baptist Church, I tried vainly to harness the energy of elementary school children to sing together. On a 'chance' encounter with Wanda Nickel, who had been a fellow student at Grace College of the Bible, she voiced a desire for her children to sing more, as her husband's family had done. I suggested a children's choir would be nice, and left her to pursue her dreams. A couple years later, Jan Wismer told me she and Wanda were starting a homeschool choir. Would I like to help? To be truthful, I was horrified by the idea. This was not a dream, but a nightmare. I'd seen too many music classes in traditional school that were chaotic, undisciplined, and certainly unproductive. I wanted nothing to do with it! But after sharing what each of us wanted for the children, I thought I'd give it a try. And the rest, as you know, is history; an invigorating, stimulating, productive experience that has resulted in the growth of all who have participated." |
Community Performances
May 2004 Deo Gratias National Day of Prayer, Nebraska State Capitol December 2004 Deo Gratias with The Nutcracker Ballet, Lied Center May 2005 Deo Gratias National Day of Prayer, Nebraska State Capitol April 2006 Deo Gratias with the Lincoln Lutheran Choir June 2007 Deo Gratias American Guild of Organists Region VI Convention May 2011 Deo Gratias with the Lincoln Choral Artists April 2015 Coram Deo Sinai Festival Sounds, Freemont, NE November 2016 Deo Gratias and Coram Deo with the Lincoln Choral Artists |