Music
Lower School
In the Lower School, students learn about music and musical concepts through active participation. In levels of increasing sophistication, students participate in activities including singing, playing rhythm instruments, listening, and movement experiences. Our program also includes work in Kodaly Hand Signals in which the students learn rhythm and pitches through Italian syllables (Do-Re-Mi) and accompanying hand signals. In 4th through 6th grade, all students participate in chorus and perform concerts in the winter and spring for schoolmates and parents.
Orff musical instruments are employed to help children become sensitive listeners and active participants. Poems, rhythms, games, dances, and songs are accompanied by these special barred instruments that include xylophones, glockenspiels, and metallophones.
In 4th, 5th, and 6th Grade, band students learn the basics of music so that they may always enjoy music in their lives, whether performing or listening. Students learn scales, read and perform rhythms, identify and define notation symbols for pitch, rhythm, dynamics, tempo, articulation, and expression, and interpret them while performing. Students are exposed to a varied repertoire of music in various styles. Performances occur throughout the year including Christmas, spring, and liturgical events.
Middle School
General Music meets once per cycle as a class. Topics ranging from Gregorian Chant to Broadway Musicals round-out this music survey class. Emphasis on note reading and other musical skills are reviewed and implemented in class projects including the use of Finale, a music notation program on the students’ laptops.
The Middle School Instrumental Music program includes small group/individual instruction, band rehearsals, and numerous performance selections & opportunities with the Ursuline Wind & Percussion Ensemble. Small group instruction occurs during middle school General Music classes, and will focus on developing individual playing techniques, reading skills, and music theory. The Band rehearses 3 days per cycle during an activity period for 7th & 8th grades.
Middle School Chorus meets 3 days per cycle during an activity period for 7th and 8th grade. Students are exposed to various repertoires and enjoy singing at multiple events throughout the school year.
*All students may participate in both, Band and Chorus, as well as any trips that are planned. Trips to local retirement homes expose students to the importance of sharing their talents within the broader community.
Upper School
The Upper School Instrumental Music students report for instruction at various times throughout the day, and attend rehearsals with the 7/8 band members whenever possible, creating the Wind & Percussion Ensemble. Upper school students may also schedule Band for ½ credit. All Band members perform a variety of selections in numerous performances and settings throughout the school year.
The Upper School Choral Arts program consists of Chapel Choir and Concert Choir. The Chapel Choir meets before school 3 days a week and rehearses primarily for liturgical events. Repertoire is varied including works from the Renaissance to the Contemporary periods. Concert Choir meets as a class 6 out of the 7-day cycle. Students meet first period and are joined by students from Padua Academy- a local Diocesan girl’s academy. Performances throughout the year include the Christmas and Evening of the Art’s concert in the spring. Trips every other year include destinations within the United States.