Extended Learning Opportunities at DHS

How two DHS students are exploring Music Education through ELOs

Recognizing that one size doesn’t fit all, Dexter Community Schools provides a wide variety of learning opportunities for students. One approach is allowing students to learn outside of the traditional classroom through Extended Learning Opportunities, or ELOs. ELOs are flexible learning experiences that involve real-world problem solving and exploration based on students’ interests and passions. While many ELOs are student-designed, all are approved and guided by a Dexter teacher.

Through ELOs, students can dive deeper into a subject of their choice and tailor their learning to fit their goals. For junior Parker Williams and senior Avery Meloche, it is an unique opportunity to gain experience in the field of study they plan to pursue in college: music education.

Parker Williams (Jr.)

When Parker picked up a violin during his fifth grade instrument fitting, he knew it was the start of something special. He felt drawn to the instrument, and the more he played, the more certain he became: music was his calling. Soon he began exploring other instruments, teaching himself the viola, cello, piano, keytar, mandolin, concertina, and even picking up basic guitar, banjo, and ukulele. With private lessons in violin and cello, and a few “rogue” piano lessons, Parker is largely self-taught on everything else.

Now a junior, Parker plays violin in the Chamber Orchestra, viola in the Concert Orchestra, and sings tenor in the Concert Choir. He’s also part of “Take-5,” a select group created by Choir Director Julie Bassett for students qualified for Chamber Choir but unable to fit it in their schedules. Thanks to this arrangement, Parker performs with two orchestras and two choirs throughout the year.

Outside of school, Parker has attended Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, performed in pit orchestras for the Dexter Drama Club, and taken part in the S.P.A.C.E. (Student-Produced Artistic Collaborative Events) Club’s annual event. He has played in Monument Park, joined shows with the Pinckney and Dexter Players, and participated in the Dexter Community Orchestra’s bicentennial concert. As an accompanist, Parker has supported choirs, orchestras, and solo performers—and hopes to do even more in the future.

Driven by his passion for music, Parker plans to pursue a career in music education. To prepare, he talked with his counselor about creating an Extended Learning Opportunity where he could gain real classroom experience. Under Mrs. Bassett’s guidance, he now works with the 7th and 8th grade Mill Creek Choirs—leading warm-ups, sectionals, and even conducting a song in concert.

Next year, Parker will continue working with Mrs. Bassett as well as starting a new ELO with Orchestra Director Matt Deloria. The orchestra course will mirror that of the choir, providing Parker with skills for teaching string instrumentalists. 

Through these alternative learning options, Parker is getting a head start on his college journey while growing as a musician and teacher. “Music is what connects us,” he says, “and I can’t wait to help future students find that same connection.”

Avery Meloche (Sr.)

Senior Avery has grown up surrounded by music and education—her mom is a teacher, and her dad played in the band.  “I guess I've always wanted to be a part of it myself,” she says. Avery started both band and choir in fifth grade, but has been singing for as long as she can remember; choir and band have always been her favorite classes. She currently plays baritone in the Symphonic Band and serves as the second soprano section leader in the Descant Choir. She is a dedicated member of the Dexter Drama Club, with prominent roles in many productions throughout her high school career. “Through those groups, I've developed an even bigger love for music and a desire to spread my love of music to generations to come,” Avery says. 

Avery wanted a head start on her college education, and created a year-long ELO with Mrs. Bassett to learn about teaching in a choir classroom. She has learned new music, led warm-ups and sectionals for the DHS Concert Choir, and will conduct a piece of her selection for the spring concert. She has enjoyed working with the Concert Choir and getting to know the students. “They're all wonderful and talented singers,” Avery shares, “and getting to be a part of their high school choir experience has been a joy!” 

After graduation, Avery will major in Music Education with a minor in Musical Theater at Eastern Michigan University. She hopes to be a school choir instructor and help in the drama department. Her focus at EMU will be vocal music, and she hopes to continue her instrumental journey through the EMU marching band. 

This valuable Extended Learning Opportunity has given Avery a preview of her future, providing hands-on experience in a real choir classroom. “I love music and can't wait to inspire my future students to love music as well!”