Band and Choir
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School Choir and Percussion Ensemble
"Catholic schools are called to foster the joy of singing and making music, to cultivate the repertoire of sacred music inherited from the past, to engage the creative efforts of contemporary composers and the diverse repertoires of various cultures, and to celebrate the Sacred Liturgy worthily."("Sing to the Lord - Music in Divine Worship", United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, D.C., 2008)
Along with the weekly school classroom music, there are two music performance activities offered at Our Lady of the Lake for students in grades five through eight - the school choir and percussion ensemble. The boys and girls in these groups sing and perform on various percussion instruments at the school liturgies from September to May. Vocal and music reading skills are taught, and practiced. Opportunities are given to eligible students to serve as cantors, leaders of song, and solo instrumentalists. Along with participating in liturgies, the choir and percussion ensemble are a central part of the annual Christmas concert and pageant and school assemblies.
Band Program
Band at OLL is provided by the Creative Music Service and includes lessons on all woodwinds, brass and percussion. Students may begin lessons (in small groups, on a rotating schedule once per week, so as not miss the same class twice in a row) in 4th grade, and are promoted to the Advanced Band when qualified, usually the following year. Advanced Band meets the same day from 7:30-8:05 AM, followed by lessons throughout the day. Third graders are invited to participate in the recorder program, a good way to learn a little about reading music and find out what it's like to be part of a musical team. The Creative Music Service is directed by Ms. Lisa Pena
For more information about band please contact Creative Music Service, 34 Starlight Drive, Colonia, NJ 07067, or 732-396-9756