Instrumental
Music Appreciation 1
(5th-6th Grade)
This Music Appreciation course for 5th and 6th grade students is designed to cultivate a lifelong love and understanding of music through a Christ-centered lens. Meeting once per week, the class integrates foundational music knowledge, active listening, and performance experiences to develop student’s musical awareness and skills. Students will participate in a weekly Worship Choir, where they will learn proper vocal technique, ensemble skills, and the spiritual discipline of worship through song. Emphasis is placed on expressing Biblical truth and glorifying God through music, fostering both musical excellence and heart engagement in worship. In addition, students will explore an overview of musical instruments, including families of the orchestra and modern worship band instruments. Through guided listening, demonstrations, and interactive activities, students will gain an understanding of tone color, function, and the role of each instrument in various musical settings.
Frequency: Meets once per week (45 minutes), One field trip per year. One summarize assessment performance per quarter.
Music Appreciation 2
(5th-6th Grade)
[Extended Enrollment]: This extended Music Appreciation course is designed for 5th and 6th grade students who elect to deepen their musical understanding and worship leadership through a second weekly class session. Building upon the foundational curriculum, students engage in a more immersive and hands-on exploration of music through a Christ-centered perspective. In addition to participating in Worship Choir, students in the extended section will receive further instruction in vocal development, ensemble refinement, and worship leadership skills. Greater emphasis is placed on musical excellence, confidence, and spiritual intentionality as students prepare and lead worship with increased independence and depth.
The additional weekly session introduces students to theatre appreciation, exploring the elements of storytelling through performance. Students will learn about stage presence, character development, expression, and the collaborative nature of theatrical productions. Through interactive activities, scene exploration, and connections to musical theatre, students will gain an understanding of how drama and music work together to communicate meaning and emotion, all while honoring God through creativity and expression.
Frequency: Meets twice per week (45 minutes each session), One Field Trip per semester. 2 summarize assessment performances per quarter.
Beginning Band
(5th-6th Grade)
In this class, 5th-6th grade students will be assigned a beginning band instrument. Instrument selection will be overseen by the instructor with effort to create a cohesive and balanced ensemble sound. Students will develop music literacy skills during class as well as perform on their instruments at required concerts outside of school hours. Musical styles will range from Christian hymns, patriotic music, and traditional band repertoire. This course is graded primarily on participation and readiness for performances. Families are responsible for supplying their students’ instruments. There will be additional before or after school rehearsals the week of the Christmas and Spring programs.
Intermediate Band
(5th-6th Grade)
This course is designed for beginning through intermediate band students to improve student skills and perform in a group. Instruments include flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, percussion, violin, and cello. Students must provide their own instrument. Percussionists are required to learn both bells and snare drum. Students are required to participate in the following performances: Veterans Day Assembly, Christmas, Engage Mini Tour on Campus, and Spring Concerts.
Band/Strings
(7th-8th grade)
(Full Week) This course is designed for beginning through intermediate band students to improve student skills and perform in a group. Instruments include flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, percussion, violin, and cello. Students must provide their own instrument. Percussionists are required to learn both bells and snare drum.
Students are required to participate in the following performances:
- Veterans Day Assembly
- Christmas
- Engage Mini Tour on Campus
- Spring Concerts
VC Beats
(7th-8th grade) | [Percussion/Drumline]
VC beats is an engaging and energetic percussion ensemble course designed for 7th and 8th grade students who desire to develop musicianship through rhythm, teamwork, creativity, and performance. Meeting one to two times per week, students will explore foundational and intermediate percussion techniques including snare drum, bass drum, tenor drums, auxiliary percussion, rhythm reading, stick control, ensemble balance, timing and performance skills. Through rehearsals and performances, students will grow in discipline, leadership, collaboration, and artistic expression while learning the importance of using their God-given talents to honor Christ and serve others. Instruction will emphasize excellence, character, perseverance, and encouragement within a positive ensemble environment. Students may participate in school concerts, special events, chapel performances and other Fine Arts opportunities throughout the school year. No prior drumline experience is required, though a willingness to learn, participate, and work as part of a team is essential.
Music Appreciation A
(9th-12th Grade)
This Fine Arts elective introduces high school students to music history, theory, and creative practice through interactive theory and harmony sessions covering notation, rhythm, and chord structures. Students trace the chronological evolution of music across seven historical periods: Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Modern, and Post-Modern. In addition, students build practical skills by learning fundamental chord mechanics on the guitar or keyboard, which they apply by composing original scripture-based melodies and creating personalized solos for their primary instrument. The course uses collaborative classroom performances and faith-centered creative composition projects to foster essential music literacy, spiritual reflection, and a lifelong appreciation for music.
Full year — 1 credit
Band
(9th-12th Grade)
This class is designed to give beginning, intermediate and advanced woodwind, brass, and percussion players a well-rounded music education which includes advancing music pedagogy and band repertoire. The development of musicianship, overall confidence, music appreciation combined with basic theory and healthy posture and technique are the foundations of this course. Listening, blending and Biblical integration will be emphasized along with excellent rehearsal etiquette. A variety of musical genres will be utilized. Concert Band will perform several times throughout the school year in churches, at school events, and for various organizations. They will also participate in music festivals, contests, and tours. At least one year of prior band participation or instrumental lessons is recommended.
Full year — 1 credit
Jazz Band
(9th-12th Grade)
This ensemble is available to beginning, intermediate and advanced woodwind, brass, and percussion players as well as vocal soloists. Jazz Band will focus on the eclectic jazz genre and will feature instrumental and vocal solos in performance settings. Courageous creativity is a key element of this class, and students are encouraged to listen daily to jazz music. Jazz Band will perform several times throughout the school year in churches, at school events, and for various organizations as well as concerts and tours. At least one year of prior band participation or instrumental lessons is recommended.
Prerequisites: knowledge of chromatic fingering, sight reading skills, accurate intonation, academic eligibility, leadership, and servanthood.
Full year — 1 credit
String Orchestra
(9th-12th Grade)
The String Orchestra Course offers to the beginning, intermediate and advanced string players (violin, viola, cello, contrabass) a well-rounded music education which includes advancing music pedagogy and repertoire. The development of musicianship, overall confidence, music appreciation combined with basic theory, healthy posture, and technique are the foundations of this course. Listening, blending and Biblical integration will be emphasized along with excellent rehearsal etiquette. A variety of musical genres will be utilized. String Orchestra will perform several times throughout the school year in churches, at school events, and for various organizations. They will also participate in music festivals, contests and tours. At least one year of prior string orchestra participation or instrumental lessons is recommended.
Prerequisites: knowledge of 1st and 2nd positions, bow technique (articulations), sight reading skills, tuning, academic eligibility, leadership, and servanthood.
Full year — 1 credit | Prerequisites: knowledge of 1st and 3rd positions, bow technique (articulations), sight reading skills, tuning, academic eligibility, leadership, and servanthood.
