Music
For curriculum details, click here.
Lower School Music
The music program in the Lower School focuses on developing the child as a whole musician. Musical concepts and skills are experienced kinesthetically, aurally, and visually prior to presentation. Students in the Lower School begin developing their singing voices early on and can often be heard singing songs from around the world in a variety of languages, ranging from English to Spanish to Swahili. Beginning in Second Grade, students begin to study and use xylophones during their classes, making use of the music literacy skills they have acquired thus far. All students have the opportunity perform in the Lower School's annual Closing Program.
Lower School students have the opportunity to audition for the Lower School Choral Ensemble. This select group of 30 third and fourth graders is often found performing for events at St. Paul's and throughout the community.
Many students also choose to audition for the Men and Boys' Choir of Old St. Paul's. The choir has been populated by students since 1873 and is the second-oldest such choir in the nation.
Opportunities to make music in the Lower School include:
- Choral Ensemble (audition only)
- Men and Boys' Choir of Old St. Paul's (audition only)
Click here to learn more about the St. Paul’s music curriculum.
Middle School Music
”I want my students to understand what the whole music-making process is all about,” says Middle School music teacher Mitch Rock. “I want my students to understand what the whole music-making process is all about,” says the Middle School music teacher. “What does it mean to be part of an ensemble? To work together? To make music? I want them to be involved in the process and realize that music’s not just about turning a dial on. Music, like anything else, can impact thoughts, lives, and attitudes.”
Fifth grade students continue the vocal instruction they received in the Lower School and also learn an instrument – the recorder, a staple of many a Middle School music class. In seventh and eighth grade, students are introduced to hand bells. The Crusader Choir is an auditioned group of about three dozen boys who rehearse and perform on their own time.
Many students also choose to audition for the Men and Boys’ Choir of Old St. Paul’s. The choir has been populated by students since 1873 and is the second-oldest such choir in the nation.
Opportunities to make music in the Middle School include:
- Crusader Choir (audition only)
- Men and Boys’ Choir of Old St. Paul’s (audition only)
- Handbell Choir (all students)
Click here to learn more about the St. Paul’s music curriculum.
Upper School Music
More than 1/3 of the Upper School student body sings in vocal music groups – exceptional for a high school program. In addition to performing music of high quality, they also work with orchestras, guest artists, and soloists. The St. Paul’s Singers have traveled to the U.K., Czech Republic, Vienna, Prague, and Austria to sing.
Opportunities to make music in the Upper School include:
- St. Paul’s Singers (audition only)
- Tenth Grade Varsity Singers (audition only)
- Ninth Grade Choir (all students)
- Men and Boys’ Choir of Old St. Paul’s (audition only)
- Route 81 (student-run a cappella group; audition only)
- Jazz Band (audition only)
Click here to learn more about the St. Paul’s music curriculum.
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