Music

Music is one of the most beautiful gifts that God has given to humanity. The teaching of music is considered part of the core curriculum for both the state of California and the United States Department of Education. Here at Our Lady of Grace we have a comprehensive music program that encompasses all four national music arts requirements: artistic perception, creative expression, historical and cultural context, and aesthetic valuing.

In studying music we use the Silver Burdett textbooks, along with many additional materials which include tapes and CDs of classical and contemporary music, songbooks, sheet music, films, and posters. Percussion instruments, bells, and the piano are also used to illustrate musical examples.

All classes participate in reading and singing many musical pieces. We have two major productions each year, one at Christmas and the other near the end of the school year. At those times all students perform some of the pieces they have studied.

An important supplement to the music program is the chorus and cantor groups. Mrs. Wilson trains and directs these two choral groups. During Wednesday school Masses, Ms. Anne Nicholson helps out with choir conducting. Ms. Nicholson also helps with the music liturgy for Wednesday Masses.

Students learn how notes relate to each other on the musical staff, ear training, elements of composing, and about some classical compositions; for example, Mendelssohn’s Midsummer’s Night Dream and Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition.