MUSIC . Mrs. Bartelt

Meet Mrs. Bartelt

Music and Choir Teacher, Asst. Music Director

EMAIL Mrs. Bartelt

My name is Mrs. Kris Bartelt.  I love sharing God’s gift of music with the children and adults at Immanuel! In addition to teaching general music classes, I am also blessed to work with children’s and adult choirs and musicals, plan for/play organ and piano/sing at church worship services, make music with handbell ringers and work with other instrumentalists and vocalists.

When not tending to my Immanuel responsibilities, I enjoy spending time with my husband and family (especially when my grandson, granddaughter and their parents visit!) walking our dog Simon, reading, working in my yard, and eating dark chocolate.

Music Classroom Overview

Immanuel students have many opportunities to learn about, experience and create music during general music and classroom choir times. As “The Music Lady” I strive to immerse students in all things music through curriculum related activities such as movement, playing instruments, singing, dancing, listening, responding, studying, creating, interpreting, and more. Together, we have much fun making “joyful noises” and learning about God’s world through His gift of music.

It is my goal to provide a variety of musical experiences that build a solid foundation for whatever a student's music future holds. Here at Immanuel I have the joy of sharing about worshiping our Lord through music, and intentionally teach and utilize hymns and songs that are used in chapel and corporate church worship services. I've often wondered if God smiles bigger when he hears His children loudly singing praises from the pew.  I know I do! It’s one of the best parts of my job.  Another blessing is seeing students I’ve taught through the years use their developing musical talents to His glory in worship services and other places as they sing, play instruments beyond their years in our school.

Continue reading below to find examples of activities various classes do in general music and choir classes.  To learn about Classroom Choirs, Chancel Choir, Chancel Ringers and Handbells, Band, Musicals and Performances and more, head over the MUSIC section (see drop down menu under SCHOOL). 

Some "Notes" from Music Classes at ILS:

All Ages -- Students have the opprotunity to enjoy and learn about God's gift of music in a variety of ways, including when they learn and sing some songs and hymns in chapel services that are also used in Immanuel’s worship services.  This helps God's children hide His Word and truths in their hearts and be able to participate more fully in praising our Lord during worship. Below is a link with titles of some hymns and songs that we focused on in the 2022-23 schoolyear.

22-23 Chapel Hymn and Song Suggestions 22-23 Songs and Hymns to Learn and Sing

Kindergartners interact with a puppet named Marvin who helps them learn more about their speaking, singing, whispering and calling voices.  They play singing games such as “Three Little Muffins”, “Queen Kristine Who Loves to Wear Green”, and “We Are Going Down the Numbers” to practice steady beat and learn how to take turns and work together.

First Graders grow as musicians as they study musical elements such as fast/slow, loud/soft, and high/low. They have fun learning with songs such as “Grizzly Bear”, “A Tisket, A Tasket”, “The Old Gray Cat”, and “I’m Locked in a Candy Store”.

Second Graders learn about pitch, rhythm, and tempo in music.  They use xylophones and rhythm instruments to play along with songs like “Bounce High, Bounce Low” as they study the pitches mi, so and la. It's fun to work together creating movements to go with a rhythmic poems and songs.

Third Graders experience first-hand how changing tone color and tempo can really effect the style of a song as they compare sections of “Variations on the Theme ‘Pop Goes the Weasel'”.  It is surprising to hear the section where this children’s tune is played in a sad style!  “Long Legged Sailor”, “Down by the River”, and “Lost My Shoe” are several other songs these students learn and have fun with during class.

In Fourth Grade, students have used boomwhackers, virtual xylophones, and personal rhythm instrument bags to practice pitches and learn new rhythms. We use the recorder to further our learning and grow as musicians.  Yay!

Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Grade students embarked on a new adventure since the fall of the 2020 schoolyear--playing ukuleles!  Since then, students continue to learn much about chords, strumming patterns, and how songs are put together (you can play a LOT of songs even when you only know 5 chords!)  Students work/learn together as a group and also use materials posted in our Google Music Classroom to practice individually.  After learning basic uke skills in grade 5, students in grades 6 and 7 use previous knowledge and continue to grow as musicians using the ukulele and a wide variety of other instruments and concepts.

Eighth Grade students learn with Mrs. Becker during their music class.


Helpful Links & Resources from the Teacher

Check in your student's MUSIC Google Classroom for links to music websites, videos, virtual instruments, songs from class, and ideas for composing and improvising.  Each student has access to the school's subscription to wonderful site called MusicPlayOnline.com, which offers opportunities for music games, practice, listening, composing, and more.

You might also consider having your student try some inexpensive apps we've used in class to practice note names and rhythms:

  • Flashnote Derby
  • NoteWorks
  • Rhythm Swing

Music Photo Gallery

Below are some various photos of the classes in recent years and all things involving music. Have some pictures you would like to share? For any questions or concerns involving photos, please contact the teacher. Each teacher is responsible for managing all of the photos contained within their own classroom galleries.