Preschool
The preschool and Kindergarten music program includes singing, playing, moving, listening, and creating, all of which encourages students to recognize and respond to their own inherent musical natures. Students’ profound enthusiasm for songs, dances, and musical stories is enhanced by hands-on involvement that builds confidence in their own ability to make music. Opportunities for group and individual student performances are available throughout the school year.
Lower School
The music curriculum is an interactive program involving singing, playing, listening, moving, and creating. Much of the music program is based on the teaching principles of German composer Carl Orff, who believed that children learn best while doing. In any given music class, students might be listening to the music of the Masters, playing Orff instruments, working on songs for their plays, creating movement and action for musical stories, improvising rhythm patterns and melodies on a variety of instruments, or playing note recognition games. Third graders begin an in-depth study of the instruments of the orchestra, which carries over into fourth grade, when they begin playing recorders. St. Andrew’s also enhances studies in social studies, history, literature, and art with appropriate musical offerings. Through this interactive program, children learn a great deal about music and have fun in the process.
5th Grade
Fifth grade students participate in a variety of activities designed to present and practice rhythmic and melodic concepts. Movement, Orff instruments, and Kodaly method are integral parts of the music program. Students also learn how to read and write music. Each grade also performs its own musical revue.
6th Grade
Sixth grade students participate in a variety of activities designed to present and practice rhythmic and melodic concepts. Movement, Orff instruments, and Kodaly method are integral parts of the music program. Students also learn how to read and write music. Each grade also performs its own musical revue.
Beginning Band - Sixth grade students learn the basics of reading music through and perform as members of the Beginning Band. No prior musical or band experience is necessary. All students are placed on an instrument (flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, horn, trombone, baritone, tuba, or drums/bells) and taught basic tone production and fingering on those instruments. Counting, reading, playing, and listening are all elements of the program method. In addition to learning how to play a musical instrument, students learn cooperation and the discipline of regular practice. The Beginning Band presents one concert at the end of the year.
7th Grade
Choir - Seventh grade choir covers the basic elements of vocal production and music theory as well as sight-reading and performance skills. Students are exposed to a wide variety of choral literature in two and three parts. Each semester the choir performs in concert as well as at selected chapel services and special programs. The spring semester brings an opportunity to prepare for formal adjudication at district and state choral festivals.
Intermediate Band - Students build upon the foundation begun in their first year of study. One year of prior band experience or teacher approval is required. Expanding range, increasing difficulty of rhythm patterns, and more control over tone quality are emphasized in this second year of instrumental study. The Intermediate Band is featured in two evening concerts and other school events, and students are eligible to participate in the Region Solo and Ensemble Festival.
8th Grade
Choir - Eighth grade choir introduces students to more demanding choral literature in two, three, and four parts. The ability to sing four-part literature at this age is a direct result of the experience in seventh grade choir. Students continue to develop sight-reading and performance skills at a more advanced level. A major challenge for this age is the voice change in both boys and girls. Working through these changes is generally the focus of vocal production. Each semester the choir performs in concert as well as at selected chapel services and special programs. This choir also prepares for formal adjudication at district and state festivals.
Eighth Grade Band - Eighth grade students are challenged to attain an advanced level of technique and musical understanding. All students are members of the Upper School Band and practice and perform as a part of that group on a regular basis. Eighth grade students are eligible to participate in various region and state clinics/competitions. As members of the Upper School Band, students perform each year in the State Band Festival and in two evening concerts during the school year. Selected students also perform in the Middle School Chapel services.
Upper School Music
St. Andrew’s Singers (open to students in grades 9 – 12 chosen by audition) This course covers the basic elements of vocal production, music theory, sight-reading, three- and four-part singing, musicianship, and concert presentation. This course provides students with an opportunity to develop their voices as instruments of self-expression, to improve their music literacy, and to enjoy a meaningful group experience through daily participation and performance.
Chamber Choir (students in grades 10 – 12 chosen by audition) Chamber Choir is composed of advanced student musicians. In addition to sight-reading, four- to eight-part singing, singing in foreign languages, and formal concert presentation, the class pursues an advanced knowledge of music theory and a high level of musicianship.
Upper School Band (grades 9-12) This course teaches music and musicianship in the context of a performing instrumental group. Development of musical skills (scales, rhythms, tone quality, sight-reading, intonation, phrasing, and interpretation) is a priority. Student musicians are exposed to a variety of musical styles and provide service to the school and community by performance.
AP Music Theory (requires teacher approval) This course offers a detailed study of the principles of musical construction and of ways of connecting the visual and aural elements of music. Students explore the elements of pitch, rhythm, chord construction and recognition, voice leading and part writing, texture and style, twentieth-century materials and techniques, rhythmic reading and dictation, melodic dictation, harmonic recognition and dictation, and sight-singing.