At Unity Point School, music isn’t just an extracurricular activity; it’s a cornerstone of the community. With a thriving band and choir program led by Luke Fleisher, students from fifth through eighth grades find their voices, hone their skills, and build lifelong connections. For eighth-grader Lily Chipman, music is more than a hobby—it’s a way of life.

Lily Chipman’s love for music began early and has grown with each passing year. As a member of both the band and choir, Lily plays the flute and piccolo while singing in the choir. Her passion has taken her to state-level competitions, including the honor of being selected for the Illinois Music Educators Association (ILMEA) All-District Choir.

For Lily, the music program at Unity Point has provided not only a creative outlet but also a supportive community. “It’s a really fun and wacky class,” she says with a laugh. “We cheer each other on and learn from one another. It’s like a second family.”

Luke Fleisher, Unity Point’s dedicated band and choir teacher, brings an ambitious vision to the music program. Managing two bands, two choirs, and individual lessons, Fleisher ensures that every student receives personalized instruction and encouragement. “My goal is for each student to leave here knowing how music fits into their life,” he says. “Whether it becomes a career, a lifelong hobby, or just a great memory, it’s all valid.”

When asked about the role of music in her life, Lily replied, “I try to do as much as I can. I really love music. It's been in my life since I was in kindergarten..even before kindergarten. It's a part of me, and I absolutely love it.”

Starting in fifth grade, students can join either band, choir, or both. Band rehearsals are held daily, while choir meets every other day. In addition, each student receives small group or private lessons weekly, focusing on individual challenges and goals. For a student like Lily who participates in both programs, this requires a big time commitment.

The music program’s impact extends beyond notes and rhythms. For Fleisher, building community is just as important as teaching music. “Music is about connection,” he explains. “It’s about challenging yourself while supporting others. That’s what makes our program special.”

Lily shared this example, “We get sheet music and we get to look through it. And often we find that it is going to be hard for us. But as we begin to sight read we realize that one part of the band is doing great on one part and we know that because we all listen to each other. But then if we mess up our part, we all just laugh it off and that’s great! It’s all part of a healthy learning environment.”

The music program also offers plenty of opportunities for students to showcase their talents. Concerts, festivals, and competitions fill the school calendar, providing moments of pride and accomplishment. This aspect of Lily’s musical life is vital. “I absolutely love just getting to play my flute, getting to improve on my piccolo, and I want to be as active as I can, so I'm always trying to cram in auditions and waiting for results and then going to a concert.”

This year, the junior high band and choir performed a Halloween-themed fall concert and is preparing for a spring performance alongside Southern Illinois University’s Wind Ensemble . Meanwhile, choir students have participated in festivals and both are gearing up for solo and ensemble contests. “Every concert is a snapshot of where we are at that moment,” Fleisher says. “It’s about playing music at a high level and understanding its meaning.”

Unity Point’s commitment to excellence in music education is evident in its collaborations with SIU, other regional school music programs, and its commissioned works, including a school song and original pieces for special events like the Eclipse. These experiences deepen students’ appreciation for the art form while connecting them to the broader community.

For Lily and her peers, music is more than an activity—it’s a way to express themselves and discover their potential. As the final notes of another school year approach, Unity Point’s music program remains a testament to the transformative power of the arts.