DEPARTMENT PURPOSE
Vocal and instrumental music is taught at Concordia Academy as an essential part of a well-rounded education. Every culture in the world has a spoken language. Similarly, every culture also has a musical language. A person who understands and appreciates his or her musical language is able to receive in full the intellectual, emotional, and spiritual benefits that come from music.

At Concordia Academy music is also a means by which God’s saving Word is proclaimed. Martin Luther considered music to be God’s greatest gift next to the Word of God and frequently expressed the necessity of a strong music curriculum in the schools of his day. Through music God’s Word can be powerfully proclaimed.

Another important objective of the Concordia Academy Music Department is to equip students to critically examine the music to which they are exposed and provide students with positive, God-pleasing, and spiritually uplifting alternatives.

CONCEPT LEVEL LEARNER OUTCOMES:

1. Learners will view music as a gift of God and a means of sharing God's love.
2. Learners will be musically literate (i.e., able to read and apply the system of musical notation standard to the music of the western world).
3. Learners will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to communicate accurately and expressively in their chosen musical medium.
4. Learners will develop self-confidence and grow in self-esteem by becoming increasingly proficient in their chosen musical medium.
5. Learners will acquire an increasing understanding of the value of music as a means of human expression.
6. Learners will acquire a broader understanding and appreciation for the many different styles of musical expression worldwide.
7. Learners will acquire knowledge of and an appreciation for the musical heritage of the church, especially the rich and powerful musical heritage of the Lutheran church.
8. Learners will be equipped with the skills necessary to participate in the wide variety of musical opportunities available to them once they leave Concordia Academy.
9. Learners will develop skills in cooperative learning and working as a member of a group or ensemble.

COURSES OFFERED

• Chorus
• Chorale
• Concert Choir
• His People
• Concert Band
• INTERMEDIATE BAND (BEACON BAND)
• Music Appreciation

Chorus. (Grades 9-12) Chorus is the introductory vocal instruction class. The student will learn to read the music notation system and practice vocal production techniques and experience the enjoyment of making music as an ensemble. (One year, 1 credit.)

Chorale. (Grades 10-12) Chorale is the auditioned junior varsity choir. Students have mastered basic music reading skills and vocal technique. Students will continue to develop their technique while singing music arranged for mixed choirs as well as female and male voicing. (One year, 1 credit.)

Concert Choir. (Grades 11-12) Concert Choir is the auditioned varsity large group choir. The purpose of Concert Choir is to perform quality choral literature with excellence. (One year, 1 credit.)

His People. (Grades 11-12) His People is the auditioned small group choir. Having developed advanced vocal skill, the students of His People combine music and faith to be ambassadors for Christ in and out of the school building. (One year, 1 credit.)

Concert Band. (Grades 9-12) The Concordia Academy Concert Band is Concordia's wind and percussion performing group. Students should be able to perform grade three band music to register for the course (approximately the level of a fourth year student). If necessary, auditions will be held to determine a student's ability level. The CA band performs in several capacities throughout the school year; it is a marching band, pep band, church band, a collection of chamber groups, but most of all, a concert band. (One year, 1 credit.)

INTERMEDIATE BAND (BEACON BAND). Grades 9-12 The Beacon Band is Concordia Academy's entry level band requiring no audition. Students will develop their performing skills and perform in concert several times a year. This group will also be part of the Concordia Marching Band and Pep Band. Provision will also be made in this class to accommodate students beginning the study of a band instrument.

Music Appreciation. grades 9-12 Music appreciation is a survey course of the fundamentals and history of music, including sacred, classical, and popular music through the ages. This course is designed for musicians and non-musicians alike. Students will listen to, study, and write about music. Students will be given the opportunity to compose on a large or small scale. (One skinny, all year equals one credit; half-years and quarter credits are available to accommodate schedule and credit needs).