Bloomington Area Choir for Home Schoolers (BACHS)

The Bloomington Area Choir for Home Schoolers (BACHS) was formed in September, 1998 after several home schooling families agreed that a choir would meet a specific need for local home school children.  The choir is the result of a prayerful idea of Angela Lusk, wife our director and founder. Our initial group began with only 27 students, growing to our current enrollment of 114 students.  Students ages 8 and above are eligible to participate.
           
BACHS was organized under the direction of Don Lusk, a former public school music teacher, and father of a home schooled daughter. Mrs. Wendy Seiler was our first piano accompanist, serving from 1998-2000.  In September 2000, Mrs. Patricia Cole became accompanist, and currently serves in that capacity today.  Mrs. Cole is a home schooling mother, and former private school music teacher.

Students are taught and coached on how to perform their assigned part of the music.  Most selected music is either SAB or SATB arrangement, with some opportunities for duets and solos.  The choir is arranged for two division, Juniors (ages 8 to 12), and the Honors’ Ensemble, which provides the opportunity for musically advanced students (regardless of ages) to learn more challenging music.  Those students who currently study music, or are involved in private music lessons may participate in the Honor’s Ensemble.  The Ensemble serves as the ‘core’ group for performances throughout the community.

BACHS performs its concert during the last week in May of each year.  In addition to the May concert, the choir performs at local luncheons, civic or church functions, and Christmas season activities.  Some functions at which BACHS has performed are:

There are no tuition charges or membership dues associated with BACHS.  However, parents may be asked to transport students to functions on occasion.  NO responsibility is assumed by BACHS, the director or accompanist.

Any donations to BACHS are strictly voluntary and are NOT tax deductible at this time.

Our Choir Director--Mr. Don Lusk

Mr. Don Lusk is an honor graduate of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.  Initially beginning his music studies in 1973 while in high school, he received a full music scholarship in 1975, where he studied voice & choral conducting under Professor Shelton McGee, director of the University’s Vesper Choir for 41 years.

Mr. Lusk was a member of the Vesper Choir for 4 years, serving as tenor soloist three years and President during his sophomore and senior year.  The choir’s annual spring tour included trips to east coast, north central and mid-western United States, with many noted venues.  After receiving his B.A. degree in English and Music Education, he became director of choral activities in the Ashley County Public Schools in southeastern Arkansas.  He has done further studies in voice and choral conducting at Arkansas State University, Northeast Louisiana University and the University of Wisconsin.  He also serves as Vice President of the Central Illinois Youth Symphony Board of Directors (Peoria, IL) is currently employed as a Property and Casualty Consultant for a major insurance company.

Our Junior Choir Director--Miss Jessica Doddek

Bachelor of Arts
Lincoln Christian College (Music Ministry)
        1) Area of focus - Piano and Conducting
        2) Student Director of 2002 Christmas Program
        3) Developed and directed the Easter Program for the orchestra and choir             and assisted with children’s musical at Trader’s Point Christian Church            (Indianapolis, IN)
        4) Directed Christmas program at Grace Church in 2004 & 2005
        5) Plays Flute and Piccolo
        6) Former member of the Bloomington-Normal Youth Symphony (1998-99)

Our Accompanist--Mrs. Patricia Cole

Mrs. Patricia Cole is a graduate of the University of Illinois where she received her degree in Music Education.  She is a former music teacher at a Christian School, and has taught music for the Home Schooled Enrichment Group in Farmer City, IL.  Mrs. Cole has offered music classes for pre-elementary and elementary students in which tunes from “The Christian Mother Goose” by Marjorie Ainsborough Decker were featured.

Music is a vital part of life for the Cole family.  Several of the Cole children are talented students studying Violin, Cello, Piano, Organ and Flute.