Intro to Musical Instruments
Michelle Cullum and Eli Cullum
Michelle was born in Madison, Wisconsin. Many of Michelle’s fondest early memories include music from family sing-a-longs while her grandma played a home organ or accordion, dancing the polka while her grandma’s family band played, and sitting in church listening to her dad cantor with his rich deep voice. Her own music journey began in 2nd grade with piano lessons. In 4th grade, she took up the oboe in addition to piano. From there, music provided Michelle many enriching opportunities in middle school and high school as she attended summer music camps, participated in band, orchestra, chorale, and musical theater, and traveled and performed extensively with the Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra. Michelle graduated from the University of Wisconsin- Madison, majoring in Elementary Education and Oboe Music Performance.
Michelle has always loved sharing her love of music leading a congregation in worship, especially alongside her sister, father, husband, and children. Whether in Wisconsin, India, or Florida, music has been a wonderful way for Michelle to connect and minister with others. Michelle is married to Kyle. They have 4 children: Prema, Isaac, Eli, and Kyrie. Their family attends Faith Community Church and is part of the Worship Team.
Eli was born in Clearwater, Florida. He is a high school homeschool student. Eli has been taking formal piano lessons for 7 years. At ten he received his first guitar. After a few years hiatus, Eli picked it up again and he began pursuing music with intense focus. With a few pointers from friends and mentors and plenty of YouTube, Eli has become quite proficient at acoustic and electric guitar, electric bass, and drums. He finds great joy in composing, recording, and producing his own music in his bedroom studio. Last summer, Eli had the joy of competing in TeenPact’s Got Talent, where he debuted his original song “Mustard Seed” for over 1,000 peers. Eli released “Mustard Seed” on all listening platforms on February 14, 2024. He is currently working on composing, recording, and producing several more songs. Eli started leading worship when he was a little boy alongside his parents and siblings. Now Eli loves to lead others in worship alongside his friends with Faith Community Refuge Youth, the Faith Community Worship Team, and Worship Collective.
Description of the Class
Students will be introduced to different musical instrument groups, learning how each group produces sound. They will have hands on opportunities to hold and begin the basics of playing various instruments. Together they will make a joyful noise unto the Lord with the instruments.