The choir students have spent the past several weeks learning songs, cleaning choreography and meeting a new member of the choir faculty, Christopher Brush. As he temporarily replaces a teacher on leave, Brush said he’s excited to teach the choir department everything he has to offer.

A graduate of Ball State University, Brush received his master’s degree in choral conducting and his bachelor’s degree in music education. He also taught for five years at Chesterton High School, where he experienced the common mishaps of a first year teacher. However, CHS has proven to have its own challenges.

Brush said, “The biggest difference (between Chesterton and Carmel) is the size and the number of kids in the choirs. It’s a huge program here, which is pretty unique.”

Although his time here is temporary for now, Brush said he wants to focus on teaching the students as much as he can about singing, which can be difficult considering all the classes he teaches and helps with. He currently directs the Encores, Descants and Counterpoints choirs and assists Lamonte Kuskye and Ann Conrad in Blue and Gold Company, Select Sound and Applied Music. So far, students seem to have a positive view of their new teacher.

Maggie Baker, member of Counterpoints and freshman, said she enjoys Brush as her choir director.

“Mr. Brush always has a good attitude, and you can tell he really likes his job. He’s made my first year of choir at CHS really fun so far,” Baker said.

On the same note, Charles Binion, member of Blue and Gold Company and junior, said, “I was already looking forward to choir this year, but it’s cool to have a new teacher in the room. (Brush) has already taught us some new ways to improve our singing in just a few weeks, so I’m excited to see how we improve by our first concert and by the end of the year.”

The first choir concert of the year will be on Sept. 24 at 7:30 p.m. in the Dale E. Graham Auditorium. Just like all other performances, admission is $5 to see all CHS choirs perform.

“Carmel has such popular music programs, and the opportunity to experience music is really great here, even if you’re not involved in the performing arts,” Brush said. “I would encourage all students to come.”