Music

Preschoolers have weekly 30 minute music classes. The preschoolers have the opportunity to play most of our pitched and non-pitched percussion instruments, including xylophones, glockenspiels, a marimba, tubano drums, tambourines, jingle bells, triangles, maracas (and other kinds of shakers), and rhythm sticks. They learn how to hold them properly, as well as how to wait when it is not their turn to play. Preschoolers also sing, do creative movement, perform dances, and use props such as scarves, mini beanbags, and lummi sticks. Frequently, other subject areas are included during their songs and activities. Their Christmas program, held in the school gym, is well attended by family members!

The K-5th grade classes have music twice a week for 45 minutes, and the middle school classes meet once per week for 45 minutes. Mrs. Gard follows the National and the Archdiocesan Music Standards throughout the grades, going into more depth as the students get older. Mrs. Gard includes the Orff Schulwerk approach in her teaching, and also uses Kodaly hand signs for learning pitches. The students in these grades learn songs, dances, instrument accompaniments, and ensemble pieces (using the Orff instruments). While they learn music skills and concepts, the students connect the music to different cultures, other content areas, and their personal lives. The 3rd-5th graders also learn to play soprano recorders. In December, the K-5th grade students perform Christmas programs.

The band program at Lourdes is open to 5-8th grade students. Beginning band members learn to play the traditional wind instruments: flute, clarinet, trumpet, and trombone. In the 6th-8th grade years, some students branch out into other instruments, which can include percussion, French horn, alto and tenor saxophone, bass clarinet, baritone horn, and oboe. The band classes meet twice per week, and perform two concerts. During some years, the combined bands march in the Jr. Rose Parade in Portland, OR.

Coming soon…

The Worship Team is an instrumental/vocal group open to 4-8th grade students. This is a volunteer group that meets once per month to prepare the worship music for one school-led Mass each month. Most of the members are vocalists, however students who are already accomplished on an instrument such as piano, guitar, or drum set sometimes play with the group.

Each year there are additional music opportunities for interested students. A few of them include: regional elementary and middle school honor choirs, regional honor bands, regional Solo and Ensemble Festival, and Jr. All-State Choir. Participants in most of these groups are chosen by audition. These opportunities allow students to be challenged and to grow as musicians.