University of Northern Iowa
Children's Choir
The Northern Iowa Children's Choir (N.I.C.C.) is a vocal performing ensemble for students in grades 3 through 7. The ensemble provides an opportunity for children to make music together, further vocal development and perform high quality concerts. The members rehearse once a week (Tuesdays), at the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, in Jebe Hall. The choir also provides a learning experience for UNI music education students to rehearse a children's choir, enhance conducting skills, deliver or articulate instructions and announcements, and organize a performing ensemble. As both a pedagogical tool and a performing ensemble, the choir performs two concerts per year as well as other arranged performances throughout Eastern Iowa. The choir has performed with the Waterloo/Cedar Falls Symphony Orchestra on their holiday pops concert.
For audition, performance or booking questions, contact Michelle Swanson at
319-273-2600 or michelle.swanson@uni.edu .
The choir is under the direction of Michelle Swanson, instructor of music education at the University of Northern Iowa. Mrs Swanson teaches Elementary General Music Methods and Music for Childhood Education, and also supervises student teachers in elementary general music. Mrs. Swanson has taught elementary general music for 14 years. She currently teaches elementary general music at Malcom Pr ice Laboratory School, on the UNI campus. Mrs. Swanson teaches Elementary General Music Methods and Music for Childhood Education to students at UNI as well.
She enjoys the combination of both college students and young children -- especially when the two groups work together! Mrs. Swanson has composed many songs relating to the Citizenship Education Program at Price Lab School. Her efforts were recently a part of the Iowa Character Development Award received by the school. Swanson received her B.M. and M.M. degrees from U.N.I. She was awarded a Gold Star Teaching Award in 1996.
She has directed numerous elementary, middle school, high school and adult choirs. Mrs. Swanson founded and conducts the Sturgis Falls Children's Choir, which has performed annually for the local summer celebration since 1993. She has conducted numerous elementary level honor choirs throughout Iowa. Mrs. Swanson is also an accomplished accompanist. Her husband, Chad, is an attorney in Waterloo, and they have two children.
