Mr. Van's Class is the official page for Mr. VandeWalle (Mr. Van) and the music classroom at Kocurek Elementary School in Austin Independent School District, Austin, Texas. Home of the Koala Ch}oir Welcome to Mr. Van's Class ABOUT US About Our School About Our Class About Mr. Van OUR PROGRAMS MUSIC MEMORY KOALA CHOIR RECORDERS

Choir Member Section The place to go for all things needed by our Koala Choir Members. Important Information Click the links below to access each form or document. Fall Rehearsal Schedule Spring Rehearsal Schedule Practice Cards Choir Handbook (English) Choir Handbook (Español) Choir Member Questionnaire *Completion required upon selection to choir program Practice Materials Choir members are expected to practice at home to become familiar with their part. Each member should practice 45-60 minutes a week. Remember : practice is what you do at home to learn your part while rehearsals are where we get together to learn how our parts fit together. Practice Videos *Password Required

< Back Spring Concert 2019 View photos from the Kocurek Koala Choir's Spring Concert (May 2019). https://youtu.be/kXvMHYFChzs Previous Next

< Back Winter Concert 2023 View photos from the Kocurek Koala Choir's Winter Concert (December 2023). https://youtu.be/W0I4MPVn2qk Previous Next

< Back Spring Concert 2010 View photos from the Kocurek Koala Choir's Spring Concert (May 2010). Previous Next

Have a question to ask Mr. Van? Use this contact form to send a message to the music teacher at Kocurek Elementary School. Contact Mr. Van Address 9800 Curlew Drive Austin, Texas 78748 Email brian.vandewalle@austinisd.org Phone 512-414-2547 Music Class Social Media First Name Last Name Email Message Send Thanks for submitting!

Recorders are the gateway to musical literacy and composition. Learn more about how Mr. VandeWalle uses these instruments to make learning to read and perform a successful experience for every Koala. Our Recorder Program At Kocurek Elementary, students embark on their musical journey by learning to play the recorder in the third grade. This musical education continues into the second quarter for students in grades 3rd through 5th. During this time, the focus is on developing and refining their recorder skills. In the remaining two quarters, the school employs a unique program called Recorder Karate to showcase the progress of the students. To earn a "belt" (or bead), students must successfully perform a different song for each level. These levels progressively become more challenging, encouraging students to continually improve their musical abilities. It's a requirement for each student to achieve at least one belt in each of the second, third, and fourth quarters of the school year. To facilitate this, Mr. VandeWalle, the music teacher, allocates dedicated class time for Recorder Karate testing. Furthermore, students who wish to go above and beyond can come to the music room for testing before or after school. For parents and guardians, recorders are typically ordered through the music department at the beginning of the fall semester. The recorders selected are among the best student models available, emphasizing the importance of learning on a quality instrument. This approach not only enhances the students' enjoyment of music but also contributes to their overall success in learning to play and read music. If there are any questions or concerns about the recorder program or the progress of a student, Mr. VandeWalle is the designated contact person and is available to address any inquiries. This comprehensive approach to music education provides students with a structured and enjoyable way to develop their musical talents. Advanced Recorder Ensemble Videos Play Video Play Video 03:16 Play Video Play Video 03:09

VIDEOS Welcome to our Video Gallery. Here you can find a ton of videos featuring our Koalas making music and performing for all to see. You can find more videos on our YouTube Channel. Clicking on any video will open the playlist in an expanded view. Simply click the X to return to this page. Do you have photos or videos you'd like to share? Please use the Media Submission Form . CHOIR MUSIC VIDEO PROJECTS The videos below are music video projects that were completed by the Koala Choir students. Choir Music Video Projects Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video CHOIR CONCERT PERFORMANCES The choir program holds two on-campus concerts each year. Below you will find a collection of those concerts. Choir Concerts Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video FACULTY WELCOME BACK VIDEOS From time to time, the Kocurek Elementary Faculty and Staff enjoy creating Back-to-School videos for their students. Here is a collection of the videos we have made over the years. Faculty Created Welcome Back Videos Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video CHOIR INDIVIDUAL SONGS Choir Individual Songs Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video

Find all the pictures and videos from Kocurek programs and concerts here for viewing. MEDIA GALLERIES Welcome to our media galleries. Here you can view photos and videos from a variety of our concerts, programs and events throughout the years. Click on one of the links to begin exploring through some of our performances and events. PHOTO GALLERIES VIDEO GALLERIES Do you have photos or videos you'd like to share? MEDIA SUBMISSION

Music Memory is a music listening, history, and appreciation program taught to all 2nd-5th graders at Kocurek Elementary School. Learn more about the UIL Program here. ABOUT MUSIC MEMORY Discover the enriching world of music with the Music Memory program! Our mission is to foster a deep appreciation for music and its history among students. By exposing them to the lives and compositions of great composers from the Western musical heritage, we aim to ignite their passion for classical and American music. Delve into a diverse range of musical experiences with our carefully curated listening selections. The program includes orchestra, choir, keyboard, and jazz band pieces, spanning various periods of musical history, offering your child exceptional examples of musical artistry. The Music Memory program is a year-round adventure, culminating in a district-wide Music Memory Competition in the Spring. This exciting event puts each student's knowledge and understanding of the presented music and composers to the test. Designed for 2nd-5th grade students, the program encompasses 16 pieces thoughtfully selected by UIL. Mark your calendars for the AISD Music Memory Contest, held in April each school year. Should you have any inquiries about the Music Memory Program or wish to acquire a Music Memory Selection CD, don't hesitate to reach out to Mr. VandeWalle. For more details, visit the Music Memory website at musicmemory.com. Additionally, all Kocurek students have exclusive access to full videos, recordings, and supplementary Music Memory materials on our website. For information about gaining access please contact Mr. VandeWalle. Music Memory Student Materials MUSIC MEMORY SELECTIONS 2026-2027 Here is a sample of the listening selection for the 2026-2027 school year.

< Back Winter Concert 2011 View photos from the Kocurek Koala Choir's Winter Concert (December 2011). https://youtu.be/esXqFOOn8H8 Previous Next

The Koala Choir was established in 2007 by Mr. VandeWalle and has been a representive group of young musicians ever since. Learn more about this program and how to get involved. WELCOME TO THE KOALA CHOIR PAGE The Kocurek Elementary Koala Choir has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 2007. This program has played an active role in the school community and beyond, showcasing the musical talents of 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students. Choir Members Section ABOUT CHOIR The choir program at Kocurek Elementary was established in 2007. The Koala Choir has performed at a variety of school events as well as off campus venues. Our choir is made up of 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students. READ MORE REGISTRATION Students who wish to participate in the Kocurek Koala Choir will need to be registered to audition. This registration must be completed by an adult and all information must be provided. READ MORE AISD HONORS CHOIR Each year the Austin ISD Fine Arts Department holds a concert to feature the best singers across the city. This event is limited, and students are selected by audition. READ MORE ABOUT OUR CHOIR "The Kocurek Elementary choir program, known as the Koala Choir, has a proud history, having been established in 2007. This choir has been a prominent presence at a wide range of events, both within the school and at off-campus venues, delighting audiences with their musical talents. The Koala Choir is composed of enthusiastic 3rd, 4th, and 5th-grade students who share a passion for singing. Auditions for the choir are held at the start of each school year and are open to all 3rd-5th grade students. However, due to limited available spots, not all auditioning students may secure a spot immediately. Those who aren't selected during their audition are placed on a "Reserve List" and will be granted a spot as openings become available. Throughout the academic year, the Koala Choir stages two major concerts, one in the Fall and another in the Spring. These concerts serve as significant milestones for the choir, showcasing their growth and dedication to their craft. In addition to these regular performances, various other opportunities occasionally arise for the different groups within the choir, allowing them to share their musical talents with a broader audience. Noteworthy past performances include appearances at the Grand Opening of the AISD Performing Arts Center, Southpark Meadows Shopping Center, as well as visits to retirement homes and other commercial areas. Choir members are expected to uphold a high standard of citizenship at all times. This includes during regular school hours, rehearsals, and performances. As members of the Koala Choir, each student is encouraged to embody the role of a student leader, both inside and outside the classroom. More detailed information on behavior expectations and guidelines can be found in the Koala Choir Handbook, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the program's values and standards. CHOIR REGISTRATION Students who wish to participate in the Kocurek Koala Choir will need to be registered to audition. This registration must be completed by an adult and all information must be provided. Registration does NOT guarantee students a spot in the choir but gives them permission to audition and participate if they are selected. Students will audition using our School Song. This includes the movements and choreography. The registration link can be found below. You will also find a link to view the choir handbook and a link to the audition selection. It is expected that the audition music be memorized. School Song Audition Practice Video Choir Handbook English Spanish Online Registration Information AUSTIN ISD HONORS CHOIR The Austin ISD Fine Arts Department hosts an annual choir concert, often referred to as "The Choral Festival," a prestigious event that showcases the district's top singers from various schools. Those fortunate enough to be chosen for the Honors Choir are recognized as the most exceptional vocalists on their respective campuses. The opportunity to audition for a spot in the All City Honors Choir is extended to all current 5th-grade Koala Choir members. The Choral Festival Concert is a highlight of the Fall Semester, typically taking place in late October or early November at the AISD Performing Arts Center. To provide interested students with a chance to audition for the Austin ISD Honor Choir, information about the audition process and details about the chosen audition piece will be distributed at the beginning of the school year. This ensures that students have ample time to prepare and showcase their vocal abilities. The number of students selected for the Austin ISD Honors Choir can vary from year to year, depending on the student enrollment at each campus. This selection process aims to recognize and celebrate the exceptional vocal talents and hard work of students throughout the Austin Independent School District, making it a highly coveted honor for those who are chosen. PAST KOCUREK HONORS CHOIR MEMBERS Click the picture below to enlarge