Music

Introducing Music into Kindergarten through Grade 8
All grades attend music classes with Mr. Constantine at least once a week.

K – 2^nd grade 
We work at understanding musical concepts and strengthening their musical muscles via songs and games. Sure, we're learning, but it sure doesn't feel like it! We also present the Nativity Story in the annual St. James Christmas Pageant!

Grades 3 – 5 
We work with music on a higher level by taking the next step into musicianship. These grades utilize the recorder with an increasing degree of difficulty as they graduate to the next grade level. Students learn how to read music, with equal importance placed on both melody and rhythm. We also work on songs to perform at the Winter and Spring concerts at St. James.

Grades 6 – 8 
In Middle School, students take another step in their musical journey by beginning the study of musical theory. Ear training, notation, and interval identification are a top priority. Students are given the freedom to start putting their musical knowledge to creative use. Here they use what they have learned about music to form and perform their own compositions. We also seek to discover why certain pieces of music affect us in different ways. It's an exciting time of musical exploration! We also lead a living prayer during the Easter season with our annual presentation of the Living Stations of the Cross.

There is a great deal of singing at each grade level, with various small presentations throughout the year. Everyone has a song in their heart at St. James School and I am here to help them find it!