Beginning in the sixth grade, Saint Joseph’s students have the opportunity to choose and learn to play a band instrument. Students are taught the fundamentals of tone production, instrument care and develop the skills for reading music and learn to participate in an ensemble setting.
As students continue their involvement in the Band program, they are eligible to participate in region and state band auditions. Every Band ensemble presents two seasonal concerts annually and has opportunities to participate in state band festivals.
Members of the High School Band are introduced to a wide repertoire and variety of musical genres. This class is offered as a semester course, in which students may choose to participate for one or both semesters in a school year. High School students can also opt to take the Honors level course - a full year commitment with additional requirements, outlined in the course description.
Additionally, High School and Middle School students with one year of experience are invited to join the “Band of Knights” Pep Band. This crowd favorite band rehearses once per week and entertains at sporting events and Pep rallies.
Beginning in the sixth grade, Saint Joseph’s students have the opportunity to choose and learn to play a stringed instrument of their choice – violin, viola, cello, or bass – or grow in their already acquired skill while in a group setting.
Throughout Middle School, students work through method books, starting with the fundamentals of both their instrument and music and gradually add grade appropriate ensemble literature that is suitable for concerts at the end of each semester.
Students in our High School ensemble learn repertoire consisting of a wide range of musical styles: classical, folk, dance, pop, and sacred. This ensemble builds on the playing skills developed throughout Middle School, and students are both encouraged and expected to develop a higher caliber of playing, as well as form a deeper appreciation for music itself.
Every Strings ensemble presents two seasonal concerts annually.
Neil Casey brings an extraordinary depth of collegiate, pre-college, and professional experience to our music department, in addition to currently serving as the Music Director of the Greenville County Youth Orchestra. Coming from a proud family of music educators, Neil has spent his career as a professional orchestra, opera, and ballet conductor, while building a distinguished background as a string performer. His achievements include finishing 3rd in the nation at the MTNA Collegiate Chamber Music Competition, receiving acclaim in The New York Times for his performances at the Piccolo Spoleto Festival, serving in numerous concertmaster roles, and recording as a featured violist.
Neil’s true passion lies in developing young talent. He is dedicated to mentoring, inspiring, and nurturing the next generation of musicians, ensuring every student receives the guidance and opportunities needed to thrive creatively and musically.
Saint Joseph’s offers Chorus classes to all Middle School and High School students. Participating students will learn how to produce a healthy vocal sound, develop music reading skills, learn the fundamentals of music theory and history, and present one concert each semester.
Each Chorus performs a variety of musical genres including motets, madrigals, large-scale choral works, pop arrangements and folk songs. High School students also build a repertoire of sacred music to be sung at weekly school Masses. Aside from developing appreciation and enthusiasm for music, Saint Joseph’s Chorus students will improve their communication skills, stage rapport, and experience the joy of singing with others.
Christina Harvey holds a degree in Vocal Performance from UNC Greensboro and brings years of professional stage experience to our music department, including performances at iconic New York City venues such as Lincoln Center, Don't Tell Mama, and The Red Room Theatre. A dedicated educator, she has been teaching private voice and piano since 2011. Her students have achieved exceptional success, earning placements at prestigious institutions including the Manhattan School of Music, Berklee College of Music, the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, and the Governor’s School.
Christina believes that music education is vital to a young person’s well-being. She is passionate about creating a dedicated space where students can build confidence, discover their unique creative voices, and express themselves through the power of music and performance.
