PERFORMING ARTS: MUSIC

Each lower school class has music once a week. During that time the children discover and develop their God-given musical abilities through singing, playing a variety of instruments, creating, moving, guided listening, musical computer programs (beginning in second grade), and other experiential involvement. They also learn of God's creativity, beauty and order while learning to recognize and demonstrate the basic musical elements of melody, rhythm, harmony, texture, tempo, dynamics, timbre, and form.


Each class sings weekly in their general music class as well as in chapel.  All lower school students perform in the Lower School Christmas program and in the GrandFriends’  Day program in the spring.

5th Grade Music "Wheel"

The Fifth Grade meets twice a week for 50 minutes. The music program is designed to introduce basic musical concepts through choral and instrumental music. Students have a chance to explore both performance ensembles of choir and band. Students are guided in a selection of instruments and are instructed how to read basic musical notation, symbols, terms, and how to achieve the desired tone quality that is characteristic of proper singing, their selected instrument and ensemble performance.

- First Quarter all students spend time learning choral technique.
- Second Quarter all students study a wind instrument.
- Second Semester students choose which course to continue in - Beginning Band or Choir. 

Middle School Chorus

Students continue to develop basic skills in sight-reading, vocal technique and performance in accordance with state and national standards.  Students perform varied repertoire on selected concert dates.

High School Chorus

Music on the high school level builds upon the lower and middle school musical experiences. Students continue to broaden their understanding of music, both sacred and secular. Students will be given the opportunity to build and develop vocal skills and technical expertise. Artistic and aesthetic expression will be expected at the high school level, focusing on presentation of work and high quality performances.  Students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their work at various high school and community venues.  Excellent performances should be typical at the high school level. Music should develop as an art form as well as a form of communication.

Beginning Band

5th grade students explore instrumental and basic musicianship, throughout the year they are trained in music reading concepts. During the first quarter, all students spend time learning choral technique. Then, in the second quarter all students study a wind instrument. For the second semester, students may choose which course they would like to continue in Beginning Band or Choir.

Intermediate Band

6th grade students may participate in the continuing of their studies on wind and percussion instruments (Flute, Oboe, Clarinets, Saxophones, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Baritone, Tuba, varied Percussion instruments).

Concert Band

7th – 12th grade students may continue their studies through more advanced repertoire with music ranging from standard band to pop and jazz.  In addition to a winter and spring concert, the band travels and participates in community venues and evaluation opportunities each year.

Fine Arts Department Chair - Mrs. Karen Ernsberger

General Music - Mrs. Mary Ann Foltz

Choral Music - Mrs. Mary Ann Foltz and Mrs. Charlene Thomas

Instrumental Music & Music Department Chair - Miss Megan Tuttle