Music Classes

 

The music program at St. Bernard School is diverse and easily matches, if not exceeds music programs in the public schools. Music at St Bernard includes music class, chorus and band.  At St. Bernard School music is an important part of the academic curriculum.

 

Primary music classes

 

Each class has one 40 minute music class per week. Students expand their musical knowledge as they explore music from around the world and from past and present day. Students actively participate in making music while learning about it.

 

Intermediate music classes

 

These classes also meet once a week for 40 minutes. Students begin to study music theory, music composition, and music history, while continuing to actively make music.

 

Primary chorus

 

This chorus, comprised of the first, second and third grade students, rehearses once a week for 30 minutes. Students prepare music for performances, such as the annual Christmas and spring concerts. Students also learn the hymns for the Catholic liturgy. 

      

Intermediate chorus

 

Students in fourth, fifth and sixth grade meet once a week for a 45 minute rehearsal. This chorus also participates in the annual Christmas and spring concerts. Students begin to sing in harmony while learning music from both sacred and secular repertoires.

 

Singer’s Ensemble

 

This 18 member choir is an auditioned group that challenges St. Bernard School students with a more advanced repertoire and provides additional opportunities for performing. They have even recorded at WMUG FM, a local radio station. This group rehearses once a week, in the morning, before school starts.

 

Preschool

 

While most preschools do not offer music classes taught by a certified music teacher, St. Bernard School does. Each preschool class has one 15 minute music class per week. Students sing, dance, play percussion instruments, and participate in music activities that help promote muscle coordination and motor skills. They also participate in school concerts.    

 

Kindergarten

 

The kindergarten class meets for music class once a week for 40 minutes. While advancing the skills learned in preschool, the kindergarten students learn music concepts such as steady beat, high and low, and fast and slow. This musically active class sings in concerts and recorded at WMUG FM, a local radio station, during Christmas 2005.

 

Third Grade

Students learn to play the violin during their general music class.

Beginner Band

      

Students may choose to learn an instrument at the start of their fourth grade year. After taking lessons during the first semester, the band begins to rehearse in the second semester. Students learn how to play in an ensemble during their weekly rehearsal.  This band performs in the annual spring concert.

 

Advanced Band

 

This band is for students who have been playing an instrument for at least one year, and is mostly comprised of fifth and sixth graders. The students perform in both the annual Christmas and spring concerts. 

 

Guitar Club

Guitar Club meets Tuesday and Thursday mornings before school.  It is offered to students in kindergarten through sixth grade.