MUSIC

The music program at Saint Helena School affords students the opportunity to appreciate music through experience.  Some of those experiences include singing, playing instruments, performing, and responding to music with movement.  As students progress, more critical thinking skills are introduced.  Some of these skills are to develop the ability to read and write music, music theory, and the relationship of music to history, culture, and technology.

Students are encouraged to use their musical talent during Liturgies, First Friday Masses, Christmas Programs, Christmas Caroling, Spring Musicals, and Pueri Cantores Choir.  Pueri Cantores is an international choir that brings students from all over the world to perform in churches, cathedrals, and even Rome for the Holy Father.  

Pre-Kindergarten to Grade Two

Pre-Kindergarten to Grade Two are introduced to basic music concepts where instruction focuses on the development of skills in singing, playing instruments, listening, moving, and responding to music.  Emphasis is placed on performing simple rhythms, notating pitches and rhythms, developing auditory skills related to pitch and instrument identification.  

Grades Three to Five

Grades three to five are introduced to a deeper understanding of music concepts which enable students to continue to build mastery in the areas of music literacy and to use their music knowledge and skills to synthesize information so that they are able to create music.  

Grades Six to Eight

Middle school students continue to acquire musical knowledge as they work toward the mastery of skills in singing, playing instruments, performing a variety choral music. Responding to music with movement and improvisation are some of the ways they demonstrate these skills.  Students explore music theory by reading and writing music notation and become familiar with a variety of musical styles and works from different time periods and composers.