Music
Ontario Christian’s music department strives to expose and educate each unique student in various aspects of the music world. Beginning in kindergarten, students are taught to sing and feel rhythms by rote. Building on those fundamental skills, students in grades one through six are taught to match pitch, breath correctly, read music, understand and perform various rhythmic patterns, and play instruments. Currently, our lower elementary music teacher uses the Orff method of teaching, which involves a lot of movement and playing instruments. Students learn by singing, moving, and doing. The grade school students get to practice performance skills with a Christmas and spring musical each year.

In fifth grade, students are given the option of participating in band. This allows interested students to pursue a deeper understanding of instrumental music. Home practice is required along with the privilege of playing in a large musical ensemble. Band students are allowed and encouraged to participate until they graduate from high school. Each progressive year of band adds new elements of playing, literature, and learning.

In grades seven through twelve, students are able to participate in choir and band. Various ensemble groups are available including: jazz band, men’s choir, women’s choir, and an auditioned choir at the high school level. Fundamental skills (breathing, phrasing, expressiveness) along with repertoire and performance skills are taught throughout these years.

At the high school level, a year-long music appreciation course is offered. Students study music from other cultures, Broadway musicals, operas, the history of Western music, and a variety of other musical adventures. This is a great class for students who would like college credit in the California State University system because the class is accredited in the state of California. Music appreciation also allows students who are not comfortable with music performance to engage in music and meet graduation requirements.

The advantages to a music education at a Christian school include: freedom to sing of God and our faith; ability to reflect on how music can be used in ways that glorify or draw us away from God; and finally to acknowledge, affirm, and develop our God-given talents for service in God’s kingdom. As a music staff, we hope to instill in each student an understanding of the world of music, their place in it, and how we can use music in a way that is pleasing to God.