About Elementary Performing Arts
At CMCS, we believe that educating a young mind through a performing arts curriculum creates a positive impact in the lives of children, especially music and drama. Musical theory, technique, composition, instrumental instruction, as well as musical theater, are the main focus of our program here at CMCS. Our students experience and grow with a solid foundation of music education that includes: learning to play instruments, reading and writing music, participating in plays, choir, band and musical performances.
The early education music program at CMCS starts with kindergarten through second grade. Students focus on keeping a steady beat, learning basic music vocabulary, how to read music, simple rhythms and rote music, as well as playing drums, xylophone, bells, and more. Our third graders take the lead in our Christmas musical in December, along with kindergarten through second grade. They get to experience being a part of an ensemble in a musical production. The third grade performing arts education levels up as we dive deeper into musical theory, technique, script reading, and performance. This helps to build their confidence, self-esteem, and language arts education. Our students continue to grow by leaps and bounds as they develop their singing, acting, and musical skills. Fourth grade through sixth grade students continue to grow in their musical and performance education while being introduced to an instrument. Fourth grade learns the recorder, fifth grade learns to play the ukulele, and sixth grade learns to play beginning guitar. Fourth grade through sixth grade students put on a spring performance and musical at the end of the year. It is our goal to introduce music literacy and encourage a love of music for our students that will last a lifetime. Our students look forward to weekly music and performing arts classes that give them the confidence and skills to create and grow, as they learn how to play instruments, make music, perform on stage, and take part in God’s gift of music and the arts.
In addition to these enrichment classes, CMCS also offers choir to grades 4 and up; and band year-round to students in grade 5 and up. These classes both meet twice a week. In choir, students continue learning rudiments of music such as rhythm, melody, and 2–4-part harmony. They learn singing techniques, how to sing with others, and how to read music. This also prepares them for performing at our Christmas Chapel service, at at least one Sunday Church service, and at an annual spring performance at a local theme park. They are also introduced to a variety of music and music styles. In band, the students have the opportunity to improve their music notation and rhythm beyond what is taught during their weekly lessons. They learn how to play a new instrument, play with others in an ensemble, and are introduced to a variety of music and music styles. Both band and choir have several on-and off-campus performances throughout the year.
The early education music program at CMCS starts with kindergarten through second grade. Students focus on keeping a steady beat, learning basic music vocabulary, how to read music, simple rhythms and rote music, as well as playing drums, xylophone, bells, and more. Our third graders take the lead in our Christmas musical in December, along with kindergarten through second grade. They get to experience being a part of an ensemble in a musical production. The third grade performing arts education levels up as we dive deeper into musical theory, technique, script reading, and performance. This helps to build their confidence, self-esteem, and language arts education. Our students continue to grow by leaps and bounds as they develop their singing, acting, and musical skills. Fourth grade through sixth grade students continue to grow in their musical and performance education while being introduced to an instrument. Fourth grade learns the recorder, fifth grade learns to play the ukulele, and sixth grade learns to play beginning guitar. Fourth grade through sixth grade students put on a spring performance and musical at the end of the year. It is our goal to introduce music literacy and encourage a love of music for our students that will last a lifetime. Our students look forward to weekly music and performing arts classes that give them the confidence and skills to create and grow, as they learn how to play instruments, make music, perform on stage, and take part in God’s gift of music and the arts.
In addition to these enrichment classes, CMCS also offers choir to grades 4 and up; and band year-round to students in grade 5 and up. These classes both meet twice a week. In choir, students continue learning rudiments of music such as rhythm, melody, and 2–4-part harmony. They learn singing techniques, how to sing with others, and how to read music. This also prepares them for performing at our Christmas Chapel service, at at least one Sunday Church service, and at an annual spring performance at a local theme park. They are also introduced to a variety of music and music styles. In band, the students have the opportunity to improve their music notation and rhythm beyond what is taught during their weekly lessons. They learn how to play a new instrument, play with others in an ensemble, and are introduced to a variety of music and music styles. Both band and choir have several on-and off-campus performances throughout the year.
Each year, our students from grades 4th-6th perform in a Spring Musical. In the spring, our students were able to shine and showcase their talents in Annie, the Musical.
Mrs. Nyseth
Mrs. Michelle Nyseth is the performing arts director at CMCS. She has a diverse background in the performing arts, music education, and teaching children of all ages to love, appreciate, and discover how music can change their lives and their hearts at any moment. Music has been part of Mrs. Nyseth's life since she was 5 years old and she began singing on stage with her mother at various churches and events. At age 6, she took her first piano lesson and music took hold of her soul. After many years of singing and playing piano as a performer, a musical education, learning more instruments, being in a band with her husband, and teaching piano and voice, she has shared that love for music with students of many ages, from 3 to 93.
As a music teacher, she believes even if a child is simply curious about music, letting them freely explore and learn any instrument can spark a love for all types of music. Music education helps develop motor skills, build confidence & self-esteem, and create a feeling of independence for growing minds, while it encourages and fosters a love of music that can be applied to learning and growth in all areas of a child’s life.
She has continued performing on and off stage in a band with her husband, as a Worship Leader in her community church, as the piano, voice, and musical theater teacher at her home music studio, and as a musical director to children of all ages at various churches, theater groups, and local schools. She has taught 4th and 5th-grade classrooms as a full-time teacher while creating and developing the music, choir, and theater department for upper and middle school students. Musical theater is a family affair. Michelle and her youngest son audition and perform on stage at the Old Town Temecula Community Theater and her oldest son is currently following in his father's footsteps who has been a drummer for over 30 years.
Educating and sharing music with young growing minds at all levels has been the biggest blessing of Michelle’s professional career and she can’t wait to share her love of music with the students of CMCS!
As a music teacher, she believes even if a child is simply curious about music, letting them freely explore and learn any instrument can spark a love for all types of music. Music education helps develop motor skills, build confidence & self-esteem, and create a feeling of independence for growing minds, while it encourages and fosters a love of music that can be applied to learning and growth in all areas of a child’s life.
She has continued performing on and off stage in a band with her husband, as a Worship Leader in her community church, as the piano, voice, and musical theater teacher at her home music studio, and as a musical director to children of all ages at various churches, theater groups, and local schools. She has taught 4th and 5th-grade classrooms as a full-time teacher while creating and developing the music, choir, and theater department for upper and middle school students. Musical theater is a family affair. Michelle and her youngest son audition and perform on stage at the Old Town Temecula Community Theater and her oldest son is currently following in his father's footsteps who has been a drummer for over 30 years.
Educating and sharing music with young growing minds at all levels has been the biggest blessing of Michelle’s professional career and she can’t wait to share her love of music with the students of CMCS!