Music

In Primary School, the music program fosters child development and well-being through joyful song and play. Teachers strive to create a state of mind where children are open to learning. They feel safe and loved, which readies them for exploration and risk-taking. The focus begins with developing the emotional bond between the teacher and students, followed closely by attention to auditory skills and foundations of literacy. 

Lower School Music involves highly engaging, whole-body, active experiences.  Music is expressed through singing, moving, listening, reading, writing, playing instruments, improvising, and composing.  The curriculum encompasses a wide range of activities designed to stimulate the interests and abilities of all children and develop musical understanding of elements such as rhythm and melody.  Further musical opportunities include Joyful Sounds Choir (grades 3 and 4), Music Memory (PSIA), Chapel Council song leaders, and all-level Christmas school concerts. 

The St. Francis Middle School Music Program builds on knowledge gained from Primary and Lower School. Students participate in performance-based ensembles and learn the complexities of digital music. The performance-based ensembles include choir and the annual musical theatre production. The goal is to bring out the artist in each individual member of the ensemble. Digital Music turns students into songwriters, remix artists, and music video producers using a suite of programs available on Apple laptops. These opportunities for self-expression and artistic growth teach students to cultivate their love of many kinds of music. 

Music in the Upper School is built around four pillars: performance, theory/composition, history, and technology. Through rigorous study of repertoires and ensemble vocal music, students gain the techniques and tools to successfully perform music from a variety of styles, genres, eras, and cultures. Music theory helps students  understand how different musical styles function, while music history builds important cultural and historical contexts and connections.