Music

St. Joseph’s students have the opportunity to learn a band instrument beginning in sixth grade. They are taught the fundamentals of instrumental playing, develop music reading skills, and learn how to blend as an ensemble. As students continue their involvement in the band program, they are eligible to participate in Region and State Band auditions. In addition, each of the 4 band ensembles presents 2 seasonal concerts each year.

Members of the St. Joseph’s High School Band are introduced to a wide variety of repertoire and musical genres and rehearse daily. Both High School and and Middle School students are also invited to join the Pep Band. This band plays at St. Joseph’s sporting events and pep rallies.

The string ensembles at St. Joseph’s meet twice a week and allow our students the opportunity to learn 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 meet four times each week and 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.

St. 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, St. Joseph’s Chorus students will improve their communication skills, stage rapport, and experience the joy of singing with others.