Children learn through music

Pictured are some of the members of the First Presbyterian Church Children’s Choir, including Gavin Miller, Emma Shorter, Emily Miller and Riley Miller. There are approximately nine kids in the choir at present.

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Published: April 17, 2009

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The children of First Presbyterian Church are making joyful noises each Wednesday in preparation for their first performance as a children’s choir.

So far, the choir has approximately nine participants under the instruction of Katie Sims, Eufaula High School’s choral director.

Sims is new to Eufaula, but her enthusiasm and expertise make her a great choice to lead the group of kids.

“For me, it’s a stress relief,” she said. “With my job, I often miss interaction with the younger kids.”

For the kids, it’s another place for them to sing and interact with music. In addition, they are learning about music in a spiritual setting, which Sims said is also enriching for them.

“It’s an outlet for them to do other things and sing for the Lord,” said Sims. “And they are also being prepared to maybe join the adult choir one day.”

Sims likes to keep practice casual and laid-back for the kids. She says that music should be a fun experience for them, or something that makes them happy.

That’s why she mixes simple art projects into their practice times. The choir’s first performance will be this Sunday, and the song that Sims has picked out is “If I Were a Butterfly.”

The young singers are making paper animals to go along with each part of the song, which mentions creatures such as a robin, kangaroo, elephant, octopus, crocodile and, of course, a butterfly.

Read more on this story in the weekend edition of The Tribune avaliable Friday, April 17.