The East Oakview Elementary hand chimes ensemble, led by music teacher Lou Sinigos, showcases how collaborative music-making can foster confidence, teamwork, and individual growth. This group, part of the school’s Belonging, Equity, and Access program, gives third- and fourth-grade students a chance to explore performance through an instrument that demands precision and unity. Each student plays multiple notes, requiring them to rely on one another to create harmonies and maintain rhythm. What sets this group apart is not only its emphasis on collective effort but also the way Sinigos customizes arrangements to suit the abilities of his young musicians. His original adaptation of “Star Wars Chimes” highlights his commitment to making complex music accessible while encouraging musical literacy. As he prepares for retirement, Sinigos reflects on the deep connections formed within the group and the joy of watching students rise to the challenge of playing a demanding yet rewarding ensemble piece.

A Collaborative Approach to Music Education

The East Oakview hand chimes ensemble redefines traditional music instruction by treating performance as a shared experience rather than a solo pursuit. Under Lou Sinigos’ guidance, students engage in a learning process that emphasizes mutual support, timing, and musical coordination. The ensemble operates without hierarchy, ensuring every member contributes equally to the final performance. This structure encourages participants to develop both interpersonal skills and musical proficiency. By pairing students with varying strengths, Sinigos fosters peer mentorship and reinforces the idea that success comes from collaboration. His philosophy centers on building confidence first and musical skill second, creating a supportive environment where mistakes are opportunities for growth rather than setbacks.

In this unique setting, students learn more than just how to play their instruments — they learn how to listen, adapt, and work together. Each session becomes a lesson in trust as members count beats aloud, watch for visual cues, and adjust their timing based on the group’s rhythm. For many, this form of interdependent performance is a revelation, offering a sense of belonging and accomplishment that goes beyond musical achievement. The absence of solo roles ensures that no single person carries the burden of perfection, allowing each student to contribute meaningfully without fear of failure. This team-oriented approach not only strengthens musical understanding but also nurtures emotional intelligence, patience, and resilience. Through repeated rehearsals and guided reflection, students gain insight into how small adjustments can lead to dramatic improvements, reinforcing the value of persistence and attention to detail.

Custom Arrangements and Student Empowerment

Lou Sinigos’ ability to tailor compositions specifically for his students plays a crucial role in their development and engagement. His reimagining of classic pieces like “Star Wars Chimes” demonstrates his dedication to crafting material that is both challenging and achievable. Rather than relying on standard arrangements, Sinigos modifies melodies, simplifies rhythms, and adjusts note ranges to match the evolving capabilities of his ensemble. These adaptations ensure that students feel both challenged and capable, striking a balance that keeps them motivated and invested in the learning process. By reshaping well-known tunes into accessible forms, he makes music education exciting and relevant to young learners who may be discovering their passion for performance.

This personalized approach to composition has a profound impact on the students, who recognize the effort behind these tailored arrangements and appreciate how it helps them grow as musicians. Young performers like Alyssa Phillips and Mason Cloherty credit Sinigos’ modifications with making difficult pieces manageable and enjoyable. His thoughtful edits allow students to focus on mastering timing, reading sheet music, and blending their sound with others, all while engaging with familiar themes that spark enthusiasm. For instance, “Star Wars Chimes” serves not only as a fun performance piece but also as a tool for teaching complex musical concepts in a way that feels rewarding. As students progress over time, they notice how much more they can accomplish compared to earlier years, which boosts their self-esteem and fuels their eagerness to continue learning. Many look forward to advancing to traditional instruments in the future, viewing their time in the chime ensemble as essential preparation. Ultimately, Sinigos’ customized arrangements do more than simplify music — they empower students, deepen their appreciation for the art form, and lay the foundation for lifelong musical exploration.