Music

Essential to creative, social, spiritual, and intellectual development, the study of music also improves academic performance by developing strong conceptual, mathematical, and linguistic skills. In addition to the courses we offer, students may participate in smaller music groups outside of the school day. Concerts, recitals, and other performing opportunities are considered part of the curriculum.

Chamber Choir

Our award-winning concert choir performs music from the Renaissance to modern day popular culture at campus and community events, liturgies, and concerts culminating in each semester's repertoire. The choir performs a cappella and accompanied and incorporates student and professional instrumentalists on a regular basis. Students are encouraged to sing varied styles of music ministry at weekly chapel services and masses. European and world music are enjoyed in their intended languages. Careful attention is given to proper pronunciation, articulation, vast choral objectives, and vocal technique.

Chamber Ensemble

Our instrumental Chamber Ensemble is featured at various events, recitals, and concerts throughout the academic year. Woodwind and string players gather twice weekly to rehearse varied music from the baroque, classical, and romantic periods, as well as elements of more contemporary and jazz styles. Students are encouraged to audition for musical theatre pit orchestras and ministry. All members are eligible to audition for regional and state honor orchestras. Gifted students accompany one another in solo sonatas and concertos. Enrollment in Chamber Ensemble is by audition.

AP Music Theory

AP Music Theory introduces advanced concepts of music theory to students. The aim of this course is to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Music Theory exam and to help students improve performance, aural, and compositional skills. Texture, rhythm, form, musical analysis, and style are all aspects of the course. Musicianship skills such as dictation and listening skills, sight singing, and keyboard melody and harmony are an important part of the theory course as well.

Private Music Lessons Program

An integral part of our music department is the private music lesson offerings, in which all students are eligible to study on-campus during the school week with outstanding musician/teachers from the Central Coast area. Lessons are currently offered in piano, voice, strings, woodwinds, and percussion. The school has six practice studios equipped with Steinway pianos. Music students have opportunities to participate in such programs as the Associated Board of the Royal School of Music and the Certificate of Merit. Recitals in the fall and spring offer performance opportunities for music students each year.

Listen to the Santa Catalina Alma Mater

*Music begins at 6 second mark.