Sing Omaha

Sono via ~ East & west

Sono Via means "music exploration.” Sing Omaha’s K–3rd grade ensembles focus on teaching children to sing in-tune using unison, two-part, and round-style singing. Sono Via also offers students an opportunity to play pitched and non-pitched percussion instruments, providing a broad and diverse range of learning opportunities and a firm foundation of basic musical skills.

ABOUT THE DIRECTORS

Nicole Chapman ~ SONO VIA WEST

Nicole Chapman is a K-5th grade music teacher and choir director at Holling Heights Elementary with Millard Public Schools in Omaha, NE. Nicole is also the enrichment class coordinator at Holling Heights, arranging after-school opportunities in the areas of art, theater, dance, technology, and music. In addition to her role at Holling Heights, Nicole directs the 3-6th grade choir at Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church in Omaha.

Nicole attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education in 2003. She is currently finishing her Master’s degree in Music, and also holds Level 1 and Level II Orff Certification from UNL.

Nicole serves as the Elementary/General Music Affairs Chair for the Nebraska Music Educators Association (NMEA), and has published multiple music education articles in the Nebraska Music Educator magazine. Nicole is an active member in the National Association for Music Education (MENC), the American Orff-Schulwerk Association (AOSA), American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), and the Chorister’s Guild.

Performing is another passion for Nicole. She is currently in her sixth season singing with the Opera Omaha chorus. Nicole is also an active performer on flute, recorder, and guitar, and she is excited to be joining Sing Omaha’s ‘Canticum’ this year.

Karen Benson ~ sono via east

Karen Benson teaches music for grades PreK–5 and directs the choir and recorder ensemble at Cody Elementary School in the Millard Public School District.

Karen began her music and movement training as an Orff Schulwerk practitioner in 1987. Since apprenticing at St. Thomas University, she has served as an instructor for Orff Schulwerk Teacher Training Courses at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Arkansas-Fayetteville, and Southern Methodist University.

Karen is the current Vice President for the American Orff-Schulwerk Association, a professional organization of 5000 music specialists that promotes active and joyful learning through music and movement. She served as a Local Conference Co-Chair for the 2006 AOSA National Conference held at Qwest Center Omaha and sat on the AOSA National Board of Trustees as a Region Representative from 2002-2005.

In 2004, Karen received the Dolly Denney Award for Excellence in Elementary Teaching and was the recipient of the 1997 Arts Educators Award from the Omaha Chamber of Commerce.

Her work as a performing musician includes playing saxophone, recorders, and singing as a member of Sing Omaha’s adult professional choir, Canticum.