Holbrook Indian School
A Seventh-day Adventist Boarding Academy Serving Native American Youth Since 1946
Making Music at Holbrook Indian School By Michelle Nieb
“M
iss Nieb, are we having music today?” This question often greets me as I’m passing between classes or eating in the cafeteria. I have the privilege of being the music director, in addition to teaching English and math, at Holbrook Indian School (HIS). I love the energy and enthusiasm the students have for artistic expression and for music at this school. Holbrook was built with a strong emphasis in music. However, when the previous music director retired 15 years ago, the music program closed. For 12 years, no solid connection to music existed at Holbrook. About three years ago, Loren Fish, counselor at HIS, launched a program to expose
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PA C I F I C U N I O N R E CO R D E R
students to classical music through recitals and concerts. Last year, task force worker Amy Loredo began involving students in making music through instrumental lessons and group singing. These two efforts
drummed up student excitement leading into this school year as the first year of a full music program officially launched. We are building strong foundations of musical principles and life skills
