Music and music performance indirectly boosts academic performance in all subject areas. It is an important component of the school’s whole person educational philosophy. Music strengthens:
- Memorization
- Hard work
- Focus
- Fine motor skill development
- Auditory learning
- Self-Confidence
- Improved spatial intelligence
The St. Charles Catholic School Music Program is centered on a mission to foster an appreciation and love for music. Students have the opportunity to develop practical skills and knowledge that will allow them to not only play music, but to also understand the processes behind it. The program brings opportunities to all students to perform and grow as individuals and as part of an ensemble.
Gr. K-5 Music & Choir
Our music specialist, uses the Orff approach to teach music in our K-5 classes. The Orff approach is a method of teaching children about music that engages their mind and body through a mixture of singing, movement, listening activities, and the use of pitched and non-pitched instruments. Special attention is given to xylophone, recorder and ukulele skills.
As early as kindergarten and all the way to Grade 5, students work on developing music reading and writing skills, deepening their understanding of beat and rhythm concepts, and exploring music language to express their musical ideas.
In choir, students are taught how to sing as part of an ensemble through engaging vocal exercises and performance repertoire. Lessons focus on the progression and enhancement of: music language, performance skills, creative expression, analysis and communication as well as knowledge of the arts in culture and society.
Our choirs participate in school events/concerts, School Masses, the Winnipeg Music Festival, and at a variety of community events.
Gr. 6-8 Band & Choir
Students in Grade 6-8 continue to develop and explore their vocal abilities in weekly choir classes. They build on previous skills and concepts in order to sing and perform more complex choral repertoire.
Band begins in Grade 6 and continues until Grade 8. Skills like posture, note reading, and finger-placement are taught to students playing woodwind and brass instruments. Students learn to work on ensemble skills such as following conducting and listening to each other while playing. Our bands perform at school events/concerts, and the Optimist Festival.
Strings Enrichment Program
Students in Grade 6-8 who have an interest in continuing their string education, whether it be on the violin or something new, like the cello, viola, or double bass, will have the opportunity to join String Ambassadors Club, a string instrument-based enrichment program offered on a weekly basis during lunch hour.