Music

Open to all middle school students who have a minimum of 2 years instruction. Weekly small group pull-out sessions supplement the full orchestra rehearsals. Two formal concerts are presented as well as additional performances in other community events.

Open to 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students who have taken a minimum of one year of instruction on their instrument. In addition to 2 formal concerts per year, the Concert Band performs at other local community events.

Students in grades 6-8 have an opportunity to join a choir ensemble. This group performs multiple times each year, showcasing their talents at various events including two formal concerts. Students will improve their vocal skills, learn to harmonize, and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow musicians. 

Concert Band is an instrumental ensemble which includes woodwinds, brass, and percussion instruments. A minimum of two years of playing experience on a band instrument and proficiency in note reading is required. Membership is based on consistent practice, attitude of service, and commitment to pursue excellence. This course challenges students as musicians. Students are expected to participate in community events, as well as school concerts where attendance is mandatory. Concert Band meets during SOAR four days per week.

Concert Choir is a large, non-auditioned ensemble for freshmen through seniors. The Concert Choir studies, rehearses, and performs choral music of different languages and cultures ranging from Gregorian chant to contemporary composers, from sacred choral works to Broadway music. In addition to fall and spring concerts, the Concert Choir occasionally participates in Chapel. The Concert Choir meets during SOAR four days per week.

Eastern Christian Honors Choir is a select, audition-based vocal ensemble. Honors Choir members must also participate in Concert Choir. The Honors Choir seeks to nurture and train students in the art and practice of small ensemble singing. Honors Choir members study music theory, sight-singing, and ear training, and complete presentations on composers and performers. Members also study music in other languages, a capella pieces, sacred, contemporary, classical music, and Broadway show tunes. The group focuses on proper vocal technique, breath control, syncopation, intonation, and rhythm for dynamic small group ensemble singing. Members are evaluated based on their active participation in rehearsal and performance, rehearsal etiquette, and their ability to read, write, and evaluate music. The Honors Choir is an active ensemble in the community. In addition to two formal concerts at school, the group performs at several other venues throughout the year; this includes some nights, weekends, and rare Sunday services. The group also goes on tour every other year. Membership requires a time investment and commitment to participate in the performances. The Honors Choir meets during a regular academic period, not during SOAR.

String Orchestra concentrates on music in the string literature (violin, viola, cello, bass) as well as string arrangements of full orchestra repertoire from Baroque to present. A minimum of two years playing experience on a string instrument and proficiency in note reading is required. Opportunity is provided for performance outside of school and for participation in Regional and All-State Orchestra auditions. This course challenges participants as students and musicians. Students are expected to participate in community events, as well as school concerts where attendance is mandatory. String Orchestra meets during SOAR four days per week.