"If you are what you should be, you will set the whole world ablaze."
Saint Catherine of Sienna
Mr. Jason Richard
The study of music at Precious Blood School is designed to provide each student with the opportunity to sing, play instruments (such as recorders, chimes, boom-whackers, and other small percussion instruments), listen, analyze, move to a beat and rhythm, and to express themselves creatively. Through their knowledge of music notation and performance traditions, students are able to learn and appreciate music independently throughout their lives. Each grade level has a different level of focus on each of these activities.
As a part of the Precious Blood music tradition, all students participate in the annual Christmas program. This program is intended to celebrate the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ. The Christmas program provides students with the opportunity to develop performance skills and stage presence. Learn more about our Christmas program.
In addition to the annual Christmas program, students at Precious
Blood have numerous other performing opportunities. In grades 1
through 5, students perform as a class in mass. They will perform
special songs or pieces of music before and during mass. Beginning
in 3rd grade, all students have the opportunity to join the youth choir
at the Precious Blood Church. The Youth Choir is directed by Mrs.
Bonnie Ekhart (bekhart@preciousbloodchurch.org) and performs at mass on
Friday’s and Sundays. Beginning in the 4th grade, all
students learn to play the recorder. This activity not only
increases a student’s ability to express him or herself musically, but
also is a great aid in teaching her or him musical notation. In
5th grade, all students have the opportunity to become a cantor at mass
and lead the school in singing hymns and the ordinary parts.
Cantors are selected by Mr. Richard through audition and are required to
attend annual training sessions. Also beginning in 5th grade,
students have the opportunity to join band. This program is run by
Mrs. Debi Schutt (dschutt@cjeagles.org)
from
Chaminade-Julienne High School.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact
Mr. Richard:
jrichard@preciousbloodschool.org
