Homeschool Choir
Matt’s Story
Matt Wheeler was born (1988) and raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Matt was homeschooled from 1st to 12th grade, and very few days went by that didn’t involve music. His mother started teaching him piano, and his love for music was born. A natural teacher by heart, he began to teach piano to his next door neighbor, play for his church, and compose music all at the age of twelve. Eventually, he became a piano student of Otto Getz, who at the time had just moved back to the area after getting his music degree from Bob Jones. Otto started a homeschool band, which Matt participated in for his final two years of high school. The homeschool band program now features three bands, and they frequently combine performances with the Cedar Rapids Homeschool Choir.
The Cedar Rapids Homeschool Choir was founded by Matt’s dad, Jeff, in 2001. The very first rehearsal took place September 13th, two days after the terror attacks on 9/11. In its ten years, the homeschool choir has grown from 25 students to nearly 75, and still accepts all students, regardless of musical ability. Matt participated for 5 years, anchoring the bass section and even filling in on piano when the regular accompanist was absent. A highlight was when the choir traveled to the state capitol and performed for the Iowa House of Representatives!
The Cedar Rapids Homeschool Choir performing at the Iowa State House of Representatives!
When Matt graduated from high school, he attended Coe College, a liberal arts school in his hometown. Naturally, he studied music, eventually gaining degrees in piano performance and music composition. While there, he was a participant in the concert choir under the direction of Dr. Marc Falk, and in his final semester, conducted the choir in the premiere of his composition, Carpe Diem, for organ and choir.
Now at the University of Minnesota Duluth, the choir bug seems to have followed him. He spent a semester as a bass in the concert choir under the direction of Dr. Stanley Wold, assisting in the rehearsals and performances of Bach’s St. John Passion.
Matt conducting the UMD Orchestra... cuing the horns for a dramatic moment! (He doesn't always have a stern face when conducting!)
Matt’s Vision
And now Matt is ready to share the ‘choir bug’ with the homeschool community of Duluth and Superior. Matt believes that the arts, and music specifically, are a necessary part of every student’s education. While private lessons are an excellent and important way to gain knowledge in this area, Matt firmly believes that participation in a group creates a truly rounded musician and student. A choir is an excellent ensemble to achieve this! Instruments don’t have to be purchased or rented and practiced for hours on end. Just bring your voice and a good attitude, and beautiful music will soon be filling the air! In a short amount of time, a community is formed where once there was none, and together, they ‘make a joyful noise unto the Lord!’
The choir might start out small, but it will start with a big heart, and a bold vision: to share the joys of music with the community and be a shining example of homeschool excellence and achievement.
The homeschool choir will initially be based on the formula of Matt’s old choir. Rehearsals are once a week, held for an hour, sometimes an hour-and-a-half. Performances occur twice per school year, once at Christmastime (early December to not interfere with holiday plans) and once in the spring, usually the middle of May. The music selections are mostly sacred, with some fun and classical pieces thrown into the mix as well. All students from 10 years old to 12th grade can participate regardless of musical ability. The only requirement is a good attitude! Younger siblings can participate, if they can read and sit still for an hour. There is a small fee of $25 for the whole year, to buy music, folders and rent concert venues if needed.
Where We’re At
At this point, Matt is gauging the interest of the homeschool community, spreading the word (you can help!) and doing the necessary prep work to get the choir started.
What is known: The Twin Ports Homeschool Choir will begin on September 7th! Rehearsals will be weekly, Wednesdays from 4-5 at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 2012 E. Superior St in Duluth. For information on a registration form, leave a comment on this page, or get in touch with Matt via the contact us tab above.
How can you help? First, spread the word! Pass along names to me! Pass along this website to friends, acquaintances, strangers! Second, consider volunteering as a pianist and accompanist for the choir. Has God given you talent to play piano and a desire to use it for him? Here’s a perfect opportunity! Third, and actually most important, pray! Pray that this endeavor can get off on the right foot, that it will be well received within the community and that it will bring honor and praise to God.
Matt | 
June 2, 2011 9:20 am
By Mary S., June 12, 2011 @ 8:20 pm
We are interested in your homeschool choir this fall. One student.
By Will & Esther Hedquist, June 19, 2011 @ 3:58 pm
Hi! We are definatly interested in this!We would have 3-4 students,and my sister-in-law may be interested in being accompanist–she’s an accomplished pianist,37 yrs old.I will ask her!God bless your efforts,and we’ll keep in touch.
the Hedquist family
By staci, August 6, 2011 @ 7:46 am
Do you have an age range for this choir yet? We may be interested. Also, check out Anchor Point Community church for a possible place you could contact Anna Bailey (music director at the church) as a starting point for a possible place to hold rehearsals.
They love to share their building with the community when possible!
By Matt, August 7, 2011 @ 6:39 am
Hi Stacy,
It looks like the age range will be 10 years up to 12th grade. I’m willing to be flexible on the lower end if you have a student who really wants to sing and can read and be a positive and engaged participant for an hour. In fact, I’d welcome such an enthusiastic young singer with open arms!
And thanks for passing along info about a location. I’m currently waiting to hear back from a church, and if things don’t work out, I’ve got another contact. I appreciate it!
Matt
By leslie ender, August 15, 2011 @ 2:07 pm
We are interested in learning about being part of a homeschool choir. Please let us know what we need to do .
By JoAnn T, August 15, 2011 @ 6:06 pm
We have one student old enough for the choir and will be there the 7th.
By Will & Esther Hedquist, August 15, 2011 @ 8:44 pm
Any updates on the choir?Please note our new email address!Thanks.
By Matt, August 16, 2011 @ 5:32 am
I have forwarded the new information to your new email! If you don’t get it, leave me a note and I’ll get in touch. Thanks!
By Shanon, September 13, 2011 @ 12:16 pm
I have one daughter who is interested. Can we still join?
By Eva Broberg, January 2, 2012 @ 11:18 am
I was interested in information about the choir.
Would someone be able to join now, after Christmas?
Is rehearsal still on Wednesdays?
What would the cost be, if she could join?
My daughter will be 15 in April, and has experience in singing with voice lessons for 3-1/2 years, plus singing on worship teams at our church.
Thank you for your time!
Eva Broberg