At 8 a.m. Tuesday dozens of students were warming up with some rhythm exercises to pack in some singing before school started at Peterson Elementary.

Leading the optional before-school choir was fourth-grade teacher Kacie Bray.

“Follow 1, 2, 3, 4,” Bray said clapping.

The students started clapping, but Bray continued counting “1, 2, 3, 4” and patted her head not waiting for them to catch up. Some of the students then get a chance to lead rhythm exercises.

“[The purpose is to] keep on beat, watching ahead and paying attention because in music so many things happen ahead,” Bray said.

It doesn’t take long before the students dive into singing. Bray turned up the volume to a pop song called “Fire N Gold” by Bea Miller.

“I try to pick songs with some inspirational or motivational message,” Bray said, noting that students are encouraged to give input on whether or not they like a song.

The choir participants are enthusiastic as their voices blend and carry out into the hallway. Some students tap their feet to the beat or bend and straighten their knees while others stand still and sing with absorbed looks.

“Trill up on ‘oh-oh-oh,’ good,” she guided them.

The choir meets Tuesday mornings and is open to third- through fifth-graders. There is a good representation of all grade levels. Between 40 to 50 students participate according to Bray, and it’s not mandatory to attend every Tuesday.

“It is quite the group. All different backgrounds and what’s connecting them is their want to get involved in music,” Bray said. “I didn’t think it would take off. It’s really the kids encouraging each other to join.”

The morning choir has some dedicated participants, such as fifth graders Kenadie Goudette and Anders Thompson who said “yes” in unison when asked if waking up early to sing was worth it. Both enjoy singing, and Thompson added, “We have an awesome teacher.”

Bray has led the morning choir for the past three years after a former school counselor who had previously led it “passed on the torch.”

While her day job is teaching fourth grade, the morning choir is her outlet to keep singing a mainstay.

Bray said music has always been a part of her life.

“Music, for me, is just part of my day,” Bray said.

Bray, a Flathead High School graduate, participated in concert choir and the Choral Aires. In college, she made sure music was in her schedule through sophomore year. She may have had days that started at 7:30 a.m. and didn’t end until 5:30 p.m. in order to do that, but she said “it was so worth it to keep music in my life.”

Bray said there is something amazing in watching elementary students embrace music.

“To see elementary kids get into the songs is so fascinating,” she said. “It gives them an outlet to show expression.”

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or [email protected].