Instruction in the Music Department

Santa Catalina School offers a variety of music opportunities for all levels of student.

Curriculum

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Advanced Placement Music Theory: This course is equivalent to a first year college music theory course, which is a major component of any college music curriculum. Ultimately, this course will prepare the student to take the Advanced Placement Music Theory Examination, which could result in partial or complete college credit for the first year of music theory. This course will introduce and integrate aspects of melody, harmony, texture, rhythm, form, analysis, elementary composition, and to some extent, history and style. Musicianship skills such as melodic/harmonic/rhythmic dictation and sight-singing are emphasized throughout the course. The student's ability to read and write musical notation is fundamental to this course and that one possesses at least basic performance skills in voice or on an instrument.
Chamber Choir: The Santa Catalina Chamber Choir is the primary vocal ensemble in the music department. Students perform a varied repertoire of standard choral works, world music, contemporary works and popular music. The ensemble performs in various settings including the formal concert hall, chapel services and community service concerts on and off campus.
Jazz Combo: Jazz Combo is a performance ensemble that studies and performs Jazz literature from the big band era up through contemporary jazz idioms. A strong emphasis is placed upon the development of performance skills relating to jazz style, improvisation, jazz language, scales and chords. Some playing experience on one's instrument is required, although it need not be in a Jazz medium. All jazz playing experience levels are welcome. All instrumentalists and vocalists are welcome. The ensemble does perform for numerous campus events.
Music Theory I and II: Music Theory I & II serve as an introduction for students, with little or no music background, to elements of melody, harmony, rhythm, form and analysis. Basic melodic, rhythmic and harmonic dictation skills are taught while emphasizing basic notation skills, scales, intervals, chords, analysis, aural and written performance skills. This course serves as a prerequisite for Advanced Placement Music Theory.
Orchestra: Orchestra provides the student with large group performance experience, as well as Chamber Ensemble settings. Students will study and perform orchestral repertoire from the Baroque period through the Contemporary period. Each student will also participate in a Chamber Ensemble, to be selected based upon instrumentation and ability levels. Course emphasis will focus upon performance and technical skills development, music terminology and a high level of musicianship. There are numerous performances during the year such as for Parents Weekend, Christmas, Winter and Spring Concerts, Fathers Weekend, and Fall/Spring Solo/Chamber Music Recitals.
Private Music Instruction: Private music lessons are available to students on all instruments and voices from highly qualified music faculty. Students may sign up for a 45-minute lesson once per week during the school year. There are opportunities to perform in Solo Recital and Play-ins throughout the school year. This is an extra fee class.
Schola Chapel Choir: "Schola" is a church choir that performs for chapel services and various church events during the school year. Emphasis is placed upon the performance of vocal repertoire that is appropriate for the church setting.