About Carol: She and her husband, Glenn, live in Lansing and have three children: Allison (Nick), Ryan and Kristen. Bachelor's degree in music from Trinity Christian College. Master's degree in music from Roosevelt University and 30 additional credits from DePaul University and Vander Cook College of Music. Member of New Hope Church; plays keyboard for the praise band and also plays organ and piano.
Accomplishments: Carol Schaap directs the concert choir at Memorial Junior High School. She meets with seventh- and eighth-graders daily, a select group chosen by audition. They learn music for competitions, school concerts and perform locally, usually for civic groups, community events and for residents of nursing and retirement homes. The choir and school band, directed by Schaap and David Allie will perform at Walt Disney World over spring break. Schaap teaches all students at Memorial to play the guitar and piano. Schaap created a guitar notebook that begins with guitar wannabe and gradually works through amateur, pro, expert, master and finally Guitar Hero. Songs in the piano book are given a point value and students prepare two songs for each test and are graded according to that. Schaap is the music director for the spring musical, this year's production of "Doo-Wop Wed Widing Hood" is April 8 and 9. "I could never do all this without such a supportive, great administration,"
she said. "And the faculty at Memorial is wonderful."
Personal heroes: "My son Ryan. He is only 25 and has lived on three continents already. He has been in 17 countries. He climbed 17,000 feet up Mount Everest, battling extreme altitude sickness because he did it so quickly. He lives in Japan now, and is part owner of an English instruction school called Jabble. His school opened in early 2008 has over 230 students already. Another hero is my dad, Arnold Meyer, who was a CPA, pilot, war hero, and the most honest and ethical person I've ever known. Ryan brought a rock from Mount Everest to put on my dad's grave because he said Grandpa Meyer was his inspiration."
Advice: "I have this quote from Abraham Lincoln on a plaque on my wall - 'Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.' Also a saying from my former Pastor Phil Stel, who has had much adversity in his life, 'God is in control.' "
Why I'm in education: "I love the hands-on part of education - helping students learn to play guitar and keyboard. I tell my students, Music isn't just something you listen to - it is something you can do.' Learning to play an instrument changes the way you listen to music."
People might be surprised to know: "I'm hoping to expand my music program to include drums. Donations for earplugs for teachers in nearby classrooms cheerfully accepted! It doesn't have to be quiet for students to learn music."
