Music
Welcome to Music!
Hello Ida Parents and Families!
My name is Courtney Karns, and I am thrilled to be your child’s Music Teacher this year. In music class, students will sing, dance, play instruments, and learn how to read and write music. Together, we’ll also explore why music exists and how it connects people all across the globe.
If you have any questions or need to get in touch, please feel free to email me at courtney.karns@esd401.org or leave a message with the main office.
About Me
Welcome! This is my 15th year teaching elementary music, and I absolutely love making music with children. I am certified in the Kodály method and incorporate Orff and Dalcroze approaches into my classroom.
Originally from Alaska, my teaching journey has taken me across the country—from college in Wisconsin to teaching positions in Indiana, Texas, and Oregon—before bringing me home to Ellensburg. Outside the classroom, I enjoy singing, musical theatre, hiking, traveling, baking, and grabbing a bubble tea!
Music runs in our family: my husband, Keith, is the Jazz Studies professor at CWU, our son Jack attends Ida Nason Aronica, and our son Ben is a future Mustang!
Join the Choir!
Who Can Join: Open to all 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders—no auditions required! If you want to sing, you’re in!
Permission Forms: Permission forms will be sent home during the first two weeks of school for parents to sign and return.
Rehearsals: Thursdays from 8:00 AM until the start of school, beginning September 19th.
Choir Shirts: Students are asked to purchase a $15 choir shirt. If this poses a financial hardship, please contact me so we can ensure your child gets a shirt.
Music Event Calendar
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Veterans Day Performance (1st & 5th Grade)
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Date & Time: November 10th at 9:30 AM
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Location: Gym
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Winter Concert (Kindergarten, Choir, & 4th Grade)
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Date: December 18th in the Gym
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Times: 2:00 PM (School Assembly) | 6:30 PM (Family & Friends)
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2nd Grade Music Night (Interactive Music Class with Parents)
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Time: 6:00 PM – 6:45 PM in the Gym
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April 14th: Mrs. Picha’s class & Mrs. Johnson’s class (Last names A–H)
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April 21st: Mrs. Jensvold’s class & Mrs. Johnson’s class (Last names I–Z)
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Spring Concert (Choir, 3rd Grade, & TK)
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Date: May 21st in the Gym
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Times: 2:00 PM (School Assembly) | 6:30 PM (Family & Friends)
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Talent Show
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Date: June 9th in the Gym
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Times: 2:00 PM (School Assembly) | 6:00 PM (Family & Friends)
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