Music

Music is an academic discipline and therefore an essential part of a balanced curriculum. The mental disciplines learned in music transfer and support other learning in all areas. In particular, instruction in music enhances the ability to learn in areas such as spatial relationships, sequencing, logical thinking, language development, and higher math as well as creative expression and sensitivity to reading others' emotions.

A recent study provided evidence that creativity is the "number one characteristic" that employers are looking for in today's professional. Someone who has the "ability to originate new ideas and is comfortable with the notion of no right answer". This describes the kind of thinking involved in music.

St. Anne School's music curriculum meets or exceeds National Standards in Music Education from day one of a SAS student's education. Every week all students are blessed to have a fully integrated music class that is developmentally appropriate and taught by highly experienced and capable teachers who also teach at the university level. Our music program invites students to learn to read music, play music, create music, compose music, move to music and sing songs that reflect our musical as well as Catholic heritage and present day worshing.

Pre-Kindergarten/K-4 — St. Anne's music curriculum meets or exceeds National Standards in Music Education for K-4 through experiential, holistic music education that is developmentally appropriate. All lessons are process oriented. Children at this age learn through play and in music class...we play!

Kindergarten — St. Anne's music curriculum meets or exceeds National Standards in Music Education for K-5 through experiential, holistic methods that begin the first stages of reading music notation as well. All lessons are process oriented. Children at this age learn through play and in music class...we play/learn!

First Grade — St. Anne's music curriculum meets or exceeds National Standards in Music Education for 1st grade through lessons that are process oriented and bridges the gap to more structured learning through pitched instrument (glockenspiel) playing while reading music notation. In the spring, 1st and 2nd graders join their talents to perform a staged musical under a conductor's baton and to the delight of their friends and family — once again meeting National Standards in Music Education.

Second Grade — St. Anne's music curriculum meets or exceeds National Standards in Music Education for 2nd grade through lessons that are process oriented and more structured. They begin to learn about other culture's music and 95% can read basic music notation at sight. In the spring, 1st and 2nd graders join their talents to perform a staged musical under a conductor's baton and to the delight of their friends and family – once again meeting National Standards in Music Education.

Third Grade — St. Anne's music curriculum meets or exceeds National Standards in Music Education for 3rd grade. Rhythmic and pitch notation recognition are now at 99%. In the fall, 3rd and 4th graders join their talents to perform a staged Christmas musical under a conductor's baton and to the delight of their friends and family. The nationally known program "Recorder Karate" is used for the remainder of the year with 100% of students reaching "black belt" – once again meeting National Standards in Music Education.

Fourth Grade — St. Anne's music curriculum meets or exceeds National Standards in Music Education for 4th grade. Rhythmic and pitch notation recognition are now used to begin simple composition of their own songs. In the fall, 3rd and 4th graders join their talents to perform a staged Christmas musical under a conductor's baton and to the delight of their friends and family. Music of every culture is studied as well as famous composers from Bach to Strauss.

Fifth Grade — St. Anne's music curriculum exceeds National Standards in Music Education by the time of 5th grade. Rhythmic and pitch notation recognition are now at 99% for students having attended from 3rd grade. Part singing is begun as well as a comprehensive look at how all the arts are intertwined. Creative writing, song composition, and theater and dance as related to music is studied – once again meeting National Standards in Music Education.

Middle School (grades 6-8) — Beginning in 6th grade students now have exposure to all of the related arts within the academic year. Band, choir, drama, and visual art as well as computer, Spanish and physical education are taught to all students by qualified professionals who are able to help every student, no matter what their level of ability, experience and grow in all these areas. This readies them for High School where students will be expected to choose an artistic course as required for graduation as well as giving them a head start on the three year language requirement set by most universities to gain acceptance.