Through their study of music, students learn to appreciate the beauty of the world around them. Weekly instruction in music allows for the development of the whole child and offers unique areas of expression.
St. Catharine Music Program
“May [the art of music] help to affirm that true beauty which,
as a glimmer of the Spirit of God, will transfigure matter,
opening the human soul to the sense of the eternal.”
–
Saint John Paul the Great, “Letter to Artists”, 1999
Our students experience and perform music while learning the basic musical elements of rhythm, melody, harmony, form, timbre, texture and dynamics. They are exposed to a wide variety of music, listening to many styles and creating music themselves. Music for mass is rehearsed with an emphasis on these elements, the meaning of the text, and church Tradition. The goal is to help each student grow in the understanding of how music works, what music has come before them, how to analyze and reflect on music, and how to produce a beautiful sound.
Voice is the primary instrument through which our students learn music. All students receive the experience of singing in a choir setting in their grade level, performing a variety of sacred and secular music in multiple languages including Latin. This prepares students for the opportunity to join our 5th-8th-grade band the following year.
Our students study classical repertoire at an age-appropriate level and experience the world-class Columbus Symphony Orchestra at the Ohio Theater. Grades 3, 4, 5 participate in the Link Up program developed by Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute.
Extras:
The St. Catharine Student Choir is open to students in 4th-8th grade. This choir rehearses once or twice a week before school. The choir sings a variety of repertoire both sacred and secular, and have the opportunity to perform and participate in a variety of events throughout the school year.
Band is open to any 4th-8th-grade student. No prior experience is needed to join. Students are able to choose a variety of instruments. Students experience playing in an ensemble, small group, and solo settings receiving instruction on the basics of their instrument, reading music, performance techniques, and practice techniques.