St. Joseph School students (K-6) attend general music classes twice a week for 30 minute periods.   Students are taught music fundamentals such as beat, note duration, note reading, high/low, dynamics, tempo and form through singing, movement activities, instrument playing and listening.  Fourth and Fifth grade students meet an additional 30 minutes per week for recorder instruction.  

At our weekly school Masses, classes take turns being responsible for the liturgy.  Students are assigned to read the Scripture and Prayers of the Faithful, bring up the gifts, serve and cantor.  Children in third through sixth grades are encouraged to audition to be a cantor.  The music chosen to be sung at Mass is practiced with all the grades during the week to facilitate full participation.

As enrichment to the regular curriculum, students in fourth through sixth grade are invited to audition for the St. Joseph Tone Chime Choir.  This handbell-like choir consists of 15 students who practice one morning each week before school for approximately 40 minutes.   The students quickly learn to work together as a team and make beautiful music.

In December and April of each school year, the students present concerts that showcase their talents and hard work.   These concerts include plenty of singing, recorder playing, the tone chime choir and much more.

It’s a privilege for me to teach music at a catholic school.  My faith is such an integral part of my life and to be able to share that along with my love of music is an incredible opportunity.   Through my teaching, I hope to pass along to the students at St. Joe’s the great joy of music and the desire to know and be close to Jesus.