Classrooms

Music -
Mrs. Madonna Knotts, Kindergarten

The kindergarten class has music each week and works on the musical elements of Melody, Rhythm, Tempo and Dynamics. The children learn these elements by singing, working with rhythm instruments and listening to CD's, Stories that are read, CD's and videos also help them learn about different musical instruments and different composers. Movement is an important part in the kindergarten classroom and is used in our weekly music lesson.

Music -
Ms. Alison White, Grades 1 - 8

Our goal is to enable the student to gain an understanding of the musical elements and how they work in order to help enrich their musical experiences, whether that is playing an instrument or just turning on the radio.

The musical elements that we strive to gain an understanding of are: Pitch, Melody, Harmony, Rhythm, Tempo, Dynamics, Timber, Articulation, Form, Texture, Style, and Affect. All of these of course are suited for different grade levels and levels of understanding. Students will demonstrate their understanding of the elements learned through activities which involve performing (singing and playing instruments), creating (improvising and composing), and analytical listening of musical selections (analyzing and evaluating musical performances from recordings, their own musical performances and musical performances of their peers - including performances of students' original music).

Music -
Mr. Daniel Susan, Liturgical Music

Our Christian faith is shaped and nourished by our time spent together at worship and the Church has always valued singing as one of its most potent tools for faith formation. Educators (and Neurologists!) know that anything sung is learned and retained quickly and more deeply, and the Church has always used song as an integral part of its liturgy.

Holy Cross School students gathered at the Mass sing Christian songs and hymns from around the world and from nearby. Some are new and some are as old as King David. Some are simple and some more sophisticated. A careful balance allows all ages to join the singing with spirit and understanding.

At religion class some students learn about the process of planning and integrating music into the liturgy by choosing music for Mass. Student cantors usually lead the Psalms, and a student choir is nearly always present to assist the singing of the assembly and to offer songs by itself. The ancient proverb says "Whoever sings, prays twice" and Holy Cross School at worship continues the long-standing pattern of joyful, prayerful song.