PUBLISHED ON April 29, 2026

Exploring the Physics of Music in Mrs. Blackburn’s Lab

In Mrs. Blackburn’s lab, science isn’t just something you read about — it’s something you build, test, and hear.
As part of their latest unit on the Physics of Music, students are discovering how sound and science work together by creating their own musical instruments. Through this hands-on activity, lab students built both a pan flute and a rubber band guitar, transforming everyday materials into tools for scientific exploration.

Sound in Motion

The project focuses on understanding how sound is produced through vibrations.
With their rubber band guitars, students observed how plucking a stretched rubber band causes it to vibrate, producing sound waves that travel through the air to our ears. By adjusting the thickness or tension of the rubber bands, they could hear how changes in physical properties affected pitch and tone.

When building their pan flutes, students explored how the length of air columns impacts frequency. Using straws of varying lengths, they discovered that shorter straws produce higher frequencies (higher pitches), while longer straws create lower frequencies.

Seeing (and Hearing) Science in Action

Rather than simply memorizing formulas, students experienced firsthand how physics explains everyday phenomena — even something as universal as music.

By connecting vibration, frequency, and pitch to instruments they built themselves, the lesson reinforced key scientific principles in a memorable and engaging way.

Mrs. Blackburn’s lab continues to show that physics isn’t just equations on paper. It’s the rhythm, sound, and science all around us.

Recommended Posts

By Jamie Hanzo April 29, 2026
$8 MILLION IN GIFTS RECEIVED FOR INCARNATE WORD HALL Decades of dedication to our mission have allowed us to now dream bigger than ever before, and today we are so excited to announce a milestone in fundraising for Incarnate Word Hall. Through the generosity of our donors along with a $3.5 million gift from The Gayle and Tom Benson Charitable Foundation, we have reached over $8 million dollars in gifts towards Incarnate Word Hall. This accomplishment has allowed us to begin the next phase including: demolition of the round building, planning for a new two-story storage facility, and to begin the preparation of a temporary chapel. While we are on track for success, we still need your support to make this dream a reality! Our total gift goal for Incarnate Word Hall is $10 million dollars and raising the remaining 20% will be a community wide effort. We are happy to share that we still have some major gift recognition levels available, but also please know that donations of any size will directly impact the success of the overall project. To view major donor list, learn more about the project, and help us reach our fundraising goal:
By Jamie Hanzo April 29, 2026
Alumna Spotlight: Leann Lomongo Vinson ’08 Leann Lomongo Vinson ’08 is a proud member of the Chapelle sisterhood whose faith, leadership, and heart for service continue to make a meaningful impact. Leann lives in Mandeville with her husband, Grant, and their two sons, Wells and Trace. She is currently in her 13th year in education and serves as an instructional coach in St. Tammany Parish, where she supports and guides teachers in their professional growth. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master of Arts in Teaching from LSU. Throughout her career, Leann has taught: - 5th grade at Chateau Estates in Kenner - 5th and 6th grades at her alma mater, St. Philip Neri - 3rd grade at Pontchartrain Elementary School in Mandeville Beyond the classroom, Leann finds great joy in serving her community. She is the Secretary of the Louisiana Association of Teachers of Mathematics , serves on the Coach Advisory Board for Girls on the Run of South Louisiana , and acts as Recruitment Chair for the Junior League of Greater Covington . Most meaningfully, Leann and her sister founded the Mongo Forever Smiling Foundation in honor of their brother, Christopher Lomongo, who unexpectedly passed away in 2022. The nonprofit provides scholarships to deserving Christian students pursuing higher education while upholding their faith and making a positive impact in their communities—just as Christopher did throughout his life. When reflecting on her time at Chapelle, Leann simply says she thinks of family. Her sister, Christie Lomongo Jones ’98, attended Chapelle, and their legacy continued with her niece, Malaya Jones ’23. She also shared the Chapelle experience with her grammar school best friends—women she considers sisters to this day. During her years at ACHS, Leann developed strong academic discipline and deepened her faith, learning to rely fully on God. She continues to live by the Chapelle motto: “God Will Provide.” In both joyful seasons and challenging ones, she believes He always does.
By Jamie Hanzo April 29, 2026
What an unforgettable weekend for our Chapelle Choir Chips! Joined by 160+ students from 4 schools across the country, our singers performed at the iconic Carnegie Hall in New York City on April 20, 2026 — an experience of a lifetime! Through Manhattan Concert Productions, they had the rare opportunity to learn from and be conducted by world-renowned composers René Clausen, Andrea Ramsey, and Rosephanye Powell. But the magic didn't stop on stage. From the top of Rockefeller Center to the steps of St. Patrick's Cathedral, from Times Square to Central Park, our students soaked in everything New York had to offer — including Broadway's Hadestown, famous pizza, and New York cheesecake!  The perfect ending? An impromptu performance of God Will Provide inside St. Patrick's Cathedral on their last day. Our Choir Chips came home with new skills, professional inspiration, and memories that will last a lifetime. We couldn't be prouder!
By Jamie Hanzo April 27, 2026
ALUMNA SPOTLIGHT: KAYLA GIARDINA ’24 Chapelle proud! Kayla Giardina ’24 delivered a performance for the record books this weekend for Southern Miss Softball — throwing a perfect game to complete a conference sweep over South Alabama! Final Score: Southern Miss 8, South Alabama 0 (6 innings) - 6 perfect innings - Just 60 pitches - 70th strikeout of the season - Improved to 17–7 on the year Giardina’s dominant outing marked: - The first perfect game at the Southern Miss Softball Complex - The fourth perfect game in program history - Part of Southern Miss’ first conference series sweep of the season - Head Coach Natalie Poole’s 100th win at Southern Miss Her determination, precision, and competitive spirit were on full display as she retired every batter she faced and led her team to victory. We are so proud to see Kayla continuing to excel at the collegiate level and representing Chapelle with excellence. The future is bright!
By Jamie Hanzo April 24, 2026
The Science Behind the Pop 🍿 In Mrs. Judy Homes’ Chemistry class, students recently explored a big concept using a very small (and very tasty) example: popcorn. But this wasn’t snack time...it was science in action! Why does popcorn pop? Each kernel contains a small amount of water (about 13–14% of its mass) trapped inside a tough outer shell. When heated, that water turns into steam. As the steam expands, pressure builds inside the kernel.  Because the shell is so strong, the steam can’t escape right away. The pressure keeps rising until — POP! — the kernel bursts open, and the starchy inside puffs out into the fluffy popcorn we recognize. The chemistry behind it all: This simple snack connects directly to core chemistry concepts: - Phase change: Liquid water turns into steam when heated. - Percent composition: Students calculate how much of the kernel’s mass is water. - Conservation of mass: The mass lost after popping equals the water that evaporated. - Gas laws: Expanding steam creates the pressure that causes the pop. Students measured kernels before and after heating to determine how much water was present — applying stoichiometry in a hands-on, real-world way. Why the water percentage matters: The sweet spot for popcorn is right around 13–14% water. - Too little moisture? Not enough pressure to pop. - Too much? The popcorn turns out chewy instead of light and fluffy. That tiny percentage makes all the difference. In Mrs. Homes’ classroom, chemistry isn’t just something students read about. It’s something they can see, measure, calculate… and occasionally smell like movie night.
By Jamie Hanzo April 24, 2026
Allie Mixon Named LHSAA District Champion in Shot Put and Discus We are proud to celebrate an incredible accomplishment by senior Allie Mixon, who delivered a standout performance at the LHSAA District Meet on April 23, 2026. Allie placed 1st in both shot put and discus, earning the title of 2026 LHSAA District Champion in both events. This remarkable achievement is a testament to her strength, focus, and dedication throughout the season. To claim a district championship in one event is an impressive feat — to win both throws showcases Allie’s versatility, discipline, and competitive spirit. Her hard work in training and her commitment to excellence truly paid off on the field. Allie’s performance not only reflects her personal determination but also brings great pride to the entire Chapelle community. We are excited to see her continue this momentum as she advances in postseason competition.  Congratulations, Allie! We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see what you accomplish next.
By Jamie Hanzo April 24, 2026
Celebrating Faith, Legacy, and Providence: Founder’s Day Mass 2026 Yesterday, the Chapelle family gathered in gratitude and joy for our annual Founder’s Day Mass, a beautiful celebration of faith, tradition, and the generations who make our school so special. A Gift of Prayer and Unity We were honored to present Archbishop Aymond with two meaningful gifts: - A rosary designed in our five class colors—Lavender, Blue, Red, Green, and Yellow—symbolizing the unity of our grade levels as one circle of faith. - A book of prayers written by each Theology class, offered in gratitude for his service and as a promise of our continued prayers. Both gifts reflect the deep gratitude we have for Archbishop Aymond and the legacy he will leave in the Archdiocese of New Orleans. We pray for joy and happiness as he enters his retirement! Outstanding Catholic Student Awards One of the most special moments of the morning was recognizing students who exemplify Catholic identity and Christ-like leadership on campus and in the community. Congratulations to our 2025–2026 Outstanding Catholic Students: - 8th Grade: Sophia Hunter - Freshman: Leila Abbate - Sophomore: Anna Claire Occhipinti - Junior: Audrey Dubuc - Senior: Kyla Apostolakis Each of these young women lives her faith with sincerity, kindness, and dedication—truly reflecting the beauty of Catholic education at Chapelle. Faculty & Staff Years of Service We proudly honored members of our Chapelle family celebrating milestone anniversaries: 10 Years of Service - Ghada Chokr - Trina Hille - Dale LaCour - Susan Panzavecchia - Frank Ready - Anne Southworth - Samantha Urso 20 Years of Service - Judy Homes - Julie Hunter - Martha McCann - Jessica Reeg Their dedication continues to shape the lives of our students and strengthen our mission. Deus Providebit Award In the spirit of our motto, Deus Providebit — God Will Provide — we honored our 2026 recipients: Deacon Drea and Brenda Capaci With more than five decades of service to Chapelle and the Church, their lives reflect unwavering faith, family devotion, and generous service. Their legacy is woven deeply into the fabric of our school. 2026 Alumna of the Year We proudly recognized Lyndsey Manalla Dyle ’03 as the 2026 Alumna of the Year — the youngest recipient of this honor. A devoted alumna, business leader, entrepreneur, and dedicated mother, Lyndsey continues to give back to Chapelle, most notably through her leadership of the beloved Alumnae Decade Rally. Honoring the Class of 1976 We were thrilled to welcome back the Class of 1976, celebrating their 50th anniversary. Each graduate received a commemorative diploma, and the class surprised us all by singing their senior song — a beautiful reminder that the Chapelle spirit lasts a lifetime. Looking Ahead: Incarnate Word Hall In her closing remarks, Head of School Connie Dantagnan shared exciting news about our future. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we have raised $8 million toward our $10 million vision for Incarnate Word Hall. This summer marks the next phase of construction, bringing us closer to a sacred space dedicated to prayer, worship, and spiritual growth for generations to come. Founder’s Day reminded us that Chapelle is more than a school — it is a living testament to faith across generations. As we continue forward, we do so with gratitude for our past, confidence in our present, and hope for our future.  Deus Providebit — God Will Provide.
By Jamie Hanzo April 22, 2026
Chapelle Students Experience Local Government in Action On April 16, members of the Chapelle Bowling Team and students from Mr. Wooderson’s AP U.S. Government & Politics class were invited to attend a Kenner City Council Meeting by Joey LaHatte (Councilman – District 3), father of senior Caroline LaHatte ’26. During the meeting, the Mayor of Kenner and the City Council formally recognized the Chapelle Bowling Team for winning State, honoring their hard work and championship accomplishment. It was a proud moment for our student-athletes and school community. In addition to celebrating the team, the visit provided an invaluable educational experience. Students were able to witness firsthand the processes by which the city operates and listen to public comments from local citizens. They saw the very concepts they have been studying in AP U.S. Government and Politics reflected in real-world issues being debated and voted on by the council. This field trip offered a unique opportunity to see civics lessons come to life and to interact with city leaders, including council members, the Chief of Police, the Mayor, and other prominent community figures. A special highlight of the meeting was when Caroline LaHatte ’26 had the honor of leading the room in the Pledge of Allegiance. After the meeting, students were treated to lunch and ice cream which was the perfect ending to an incredible day of learning and celebration.  Thank you to Councilman Joey LaHatte and the Kenner City Council for welcoming our students and providing such a meaningful experience.
More Posts