Fine Arts: Music

Concert Choir explores choral music through spirituals, part songs, and a wide variety of styles. This performance ensemble helps singers to read music and develop proper vocal techniques while experiencing the joy of making music together. Non-auditioned and open to all grades, the Concert Choir performs at the annual school concerts. The course fee covers music. This course may be repeated. 

Grades: 9, 10, 11, and 12
Semesters: 1; can be taken multiple times
Fee: $10 per semester

The Camerata Singers, named after Italian musical schools of the 16th century, is designed for the motivated singer who has already been in Concert Choir. It is a continuation of the Concert Choir curriculum, focusing on more advanced choral repertoire and comprehensive musicianship. The Camerata Singers perform at the annual school concerts and liturgies. The course fee covers music. This course may be repeated. 

Prerequisite: 1 semester of Concert Choir of consent of instructor
Grades: 10, 11, and 12
Semesters: 1; can be taken multiple times
Fee: $10 per semester

Angelaires is open by annual audition to singers desiring to become better musicians through the advanced musical study of show tunes, vocal jazz, and popular standards. This select ensemble performs at the annual Angelaire Christmas show and Spring concert. Outside performances are also required during the school year. Angelaires meets 1st quarter through the beginning of 4th quarter (up to the Spring concert) from 3:15-4 p.m. daily, with additional workshops and rehearsals scheduled throughout the year. Camerata Singers is the pre-requisite for Angelaires, but may be taken concurrently. The course fee covers music and group fees. 

Prerequisite: Spring vocal audition and Camerata Singers (Camerata Singers can be taken concurrently with Angelaires)
Grades: 10, 11, and 12
Semesters: 2
Fee: $100 per year

Learn more about Angelaires.

Divine Strings is open by annual audition to instrumentalists desiring to become better musicians through the advanced study of music for chamber orchestra. This select ensemble performs at annual school concerts and all-school liturgies. Several outside performances are also required during the school year. There will also be opportunities for small ensembles such as string quartets, trios, and duos. 

Prerequisites: Consent of instruction and one year of orchestra. Students supply their own instrument.
Grades: 10, 11, and 12
Semesters: 1 or 2; if opting for one semester, student must be enrolled in 0 Hour Orchestra the other semester
Fees: $10 per semester

Learn more about Divine Strings.

Open to anyone regardless of musical background, students will learn to perform in a traditional Handbells choir. Students will learn to read music, be exposed to a variety of music literature, and performance techniques. Highlights of this class may include concerts on and off campus at area schools, nursing homes, parishes, and other events.


Grades: 9, 10, 11, and 12
Semesters: 1
Fee: $25

Open to students who have completed Handbells I or who have taken or are currently enrolled in Orchestra or Camerata Choir, or with permission of the instructor. Members can learn to perform in a traditional Handbells choir at an advanced level. Students will explore a variety of music literature and performance techniques. Highlights of this class include concerts on and off campus at area schools, nursing homes, parishes and other events. This course may be repeated.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor or Handbells 6200, Orchestra or Camerata Choir
Grades: 9, 10, 11, and 12
Semesters: 1 or 2
Fee: $25

Open to anyone with at least one year of performing experience, students have the opportunity to perform on a standard orchestra instrument (violin, viola, cello, string bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, French horn, tuba, euphonium, harp, and percussion. Pianists interested in orchestra will need to audition for the director.) Students will develop their musicianship as individuals and as part of an ensemble. Highlights of this class include concerts on and off campus.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Students must bring their own instrument.
Grades: 10, 11, and 12
Semester: 2
Fee: $35

The AP Music Theory course corresponds to two semesters of typical, introductory college music theory coursework that covers topics such as musicianship, theory, and musical materials and procedures. Musicianship skills, including dictation and listening skills, sight-singing, and harmony, are an important part of the course. Through the course, students develop the ability to recognize, understand, and describe basic materials and processes of tonal music that are heard or presented in a score. Development of aural (listening) skills is a primary objective. Performance is also part of the curriculum through the practice of sight-singing. Students learn basic concepts and terminology by listening to and performing a wide variety of music. Notational skills, speed and fluency with basic materials are emphasized. Prospective students should be able to read and write musical notation and have basic performance skills with voice or an instrument.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and 2 semesters of an ensemble music course (Orchestra, Divine Strings, Handbells, Concert Choir, Camerata Singers, or Angelaires) 
Grades: 10, 11, and 12
Semesters: 2
Fee: $10 per year; additional fee for AP exam