Bischoff retires after 25 years of sharing her love of music

At Lovell Elementary School Chauna Bischoff’s classroom has always been easy to find. Just follow the sound of music and laughter. As a music teacher at LES for grades kindergarten through fifth grade, Bischoff helped create many wonderful childhood memories for her students for 25 years.
Bischoff, known for her ability to turn any tune into a fun and educational experience for her students, retired at the end of the school year. She said the decision to retire was difficult, because her job in the classroom was so much fun and brought her so much joy.
“I’m still struggling with the thought of being retired,” she said. “I loved teaching so much. In all my years of teaching, I never missed a class unless I absolutely had to.”
Music has always been a big part of Bischoff’s life. She grew up in a musical family and has fond memories of participating in many family “sing togethers.”  She said both her parents Scott and Kathleen Welch were very musical, as were her siblings. She said she enjoyed her music classes as a child, learned to read music from a very young age and was inspired by her teachers. So, it made sense for her to pursue a career in music education.
“When you hear a song it floods your being with memories,” she said. “I’ve always loved music.”
In 1975, she earned her teaching credential in music and piano with vocal emphasis from Utah State University. She also studied the ORFF teaching method, an approach to building musicianship in every learner through the integration of music, movement, speech and drama. Bischoff noted that much of the creativity she used in her classroom was influenced by this teaching method.
In Bischoff’s classroom, it’s always been about fun, facts and patriotism, while at the same time presenting the fine and performing arts standard curriculum in unique ways. Her students were taught to pay careful attention to the words of every song, learning about geography, science, history and more during their musical journey.
Bischoff literally touched the lives of every student in attendance at LES, seeing each and every student from all grade levels twice a week in her 30-minute music classes. If you attended LES, you were in her classroom at some point.
Bischoff said she tailored her lesson plans to each grade level and encouraged the children to share their musical talents in community performances. Often, she wrote music for her students to perform and created individualized musical experiences, especially for students who struggled socially or emotionally.
“People don’t realize that music is a life skill that can change lives,” she said. “It’s the kind of thing you can enjoy your entire life.”
She cited numerous examples of children, including some with behavior problems or extreme levels of shyness, who were able to overcome these difficulties through music.
“We had a set of twins who didn’t talk to anyone but each other in class; they chose to take on a speaking role at a public performance,” she said. “It was amazing that they chose to do that.”
Hundreds of students have memories of special songs from Bischoff’s music class, including perennial favorites like “Crocodile Rock,” “Patriotic Always,” “The Eagle has Landed” and the song “Responsible,” which she said became somewhat of a theme song for her students. Many will have lasting memories of the pop-up book Bischoff used to teach “America the Beautiful.” She said the book was used so much, she wore it out and it had to be replaced.
Bischoff has always been very patriotic and brought her love of her country into the classroom and in carefully crafted public performances at assemblies honoring veterans at Memorial Day services, flag ceremonies and any event honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans. When her own son served in the military, she shared the experience with her students through patriotic songs and performances. She was recently honored with a plaque by the local post of the American Legion for those efforts.
Using every holiday and season as a cause for celebration, her students performed for the community to celebrate Christmas, spring and any significant holiday. From May poles to sword dances, her students were given numerous opportunities to make lasting memories.
She taught her students to play the recorder and guitar and to use boom whackers, rhythm sticks and even wooden spoons to tap out the music. Her fifth-grade students learned to write and perform their own eight-measure musical compositions. They also learned to play the guitar.
“Music helps kids grow in ways they can continue throughout their lives,” she said. “It’s one of those things you can enjoy at any age.”
She will be greatly missed in every aspect of music at every grade level.
“Chauna Bischoff began her career at BGH2 in 1996 as the high school choir accompanist,” said Big Horn County District No. 2 school board member Danny Jolley at a recent school event. “She worked in the high school, middle school and finally settled in the elementary for 25 years, teaching our children to sing, perform, play recorders and guitar. Her seasonal programs are a Lovell community institution which will be missed. She has shared her love of music with all of us. Chauna’s influence has inspired all of her students to keep a song in their heart.”
Emilie Asay, a former student of Bischoff, will be the new music teacher at LES.
“She’s definitely a hard act to follow,” said Asay. “It will be hard to find the balance of keeping the things everyone loves and bringing some change. I hope I’m up to the task.”
Bischoff said she’s looking forward to spending more time with her grandchildren and continuing to teach private music lessons in her retirement.