Airport’s chorus sings different notes under Ms. Hines

This year, chorus students, especially the seniors and multiple-year participants, have had to adjust to having a new chorus teacher. Students may disagree on things such as their preference of teacher and how they would compare the teaching styles of Ms. Hines to the former chorus teacher, Mrs. Goodwin, who retired at the end of last school year. Airport’s former chorus teacher, Mrs. Goodwin, retired after her time in the TERI program ended. In August of 2017, Airport welcomed Ms. Hines as the new chorus teacher.

Ms. Hines, the new teacher, is also the musical director of Town Theatre, and has formerly directed musicals outside of Airport such as Big Fish.

Mrs. Hines has three cats with musical names: Melody, Harmony, and Cadence.

“Chorus with Ms. Hines is more challenging, but it’s a lot more fun to have more activities to do,” said Michaela M., a two year honors student, enthusiastically.

When asked to compare the teaching styles of Ms. Hines and Mrs. Goodwin, Jordan, a four year chorus student and three year Honors Chorus student, says that the way Ms. Hines is running the classroom is a lot different.

“Mrs. Goodwin was like a mom and Ms. Hines is kinda [sic] there but she’s more of a friend,” stated Jordan.

“She’s very fun and lovely and she likes musical theatre,” said Jordan cheerfully.

“[The change in chorus teachers] makes me feel more comfortable in the class even when it is freezing,” states Michaela M.

“She shows us how to find note on a staff—a bunch of things Mrs. Goodwin didn’t teach us to do. She teaches us music theory,” said Michaela M.

Students seem to be enjoying having Ms. Hines as their teacher. It’s definitely a lot different, but they seem to be adjusting to the change quite nicely.

One way to help students adjust to new teachers is by simply getting to know them. “Visit school before the new school year begins, when the teacher is setting up the classroom and he/she and your child can get to know one another in a more relaxed way,” said Susan Stiffleman in her article Six ways to help kids adjust to a new teacher.

If you’re interested in learning more about Airport’s chorus, feel free to email Ms. Hines at ahines@lex2.org.