One language—music—can be understood no matter where the hearers are from. Lodi Academy knows music. Their music program includes band, choir, a select choir called Lodian Singers, individual/group lessons and a chorus class for UC credit.

Early every morning, the students at Lodi Academy fill the classroom, ready for another day of either band or choir. Both the band and the choir learn a variety of musical literature from various time periods. The styles can range from classical and jazz to Broadway musicals.

Lodi’s music program is very popular, obvious from the number of students enrolled in the classes. There are 84 students in the choir (more than half of the school) and 49 students in band.

“I think the music program is good compared to other schools,” said Mandi Hanson, a senior. “When we work hard, we sound good.”

Teachers at the academy put importance on the influence the music department has on the participants. “I value the music program as part of our whole teaching atmosphere because it enables our students to reach out toward the community as a witness,” said science teacher Jeff Marxmiller.

The Lodian Singers have been active this year. They performed at Powerfest, a collaborative week of prayer in which many conference schools participated, as well as their own dinner concert called Singers Benefit, an annual fundraising event for the Lodi Academy Music Department.

The success of the music program at Lodi Academy is due in large part to the hard work of the music teacher Welby Lo. Lo is a recent graduate from Pacific Union College and is enjoying his first year of teaching. “I have to say, I love teaching these students,” said Lo. “They are very receptive to my ideas and are all extremely talented.”