St. Theresa School Oakland, California

The St. Theresa School Music Department is staffed by three music specialists for the 2007-2008 school year.

New to the school this year are Mara Fox who teaches instrumental music and Meredith Webber who teaches general music to all grade levels each week. George Husson, who began conducting our handbell choirs in 2006-2007, continues in that role and in addition is directing the Saint Theresa Chorale.

Musical Offerings and Opportunities
General Music
In general music this year, students can expect to learn a variety of music from different cultures and genres. Students will sing songs, dance, play instruments, compose, and study music history?all while they learn how to appreciate and understand the many styles of music! It is sure to be a year of musical enlightenment!

Instrumental Music
Instrumental music lessons and band are open to students as an elective in grades 4-8. Additionally this year all students in the 4th grade are learning to play a musical instrument. The instruments taught include trumpet, trombone, flute, clarinet, saxophone, percussion, and bass guitar. Lessons and band rehearsals are held during the school day. The recorder is taught to second and third grade students. It is hoped that enjoyment from learning the recorder will ready students to take up a band instrument in the 4th grade or later. A variety of musical selections and styles are rehearsed. Students learn the fundamentals of their instrument and note and rhythmic reading skills are reinforced. During instrumental lessons students also learn about music history, music appreciation, and performance practice. Instrumental music students will perform in the Christmas and spring concerts.

Vocal Music
The tradition of the school choir continues this year at St. Theresa School. The St. Theresa Chorale, was formed at the beginning of the school year. Students in grades 5-8 are invited to participate. The choir rehearses weekly on Mondays for about 40 minutes during an extended lunch break. Students sing a variety of music and participate in the Christmas and spring concerts, the Lillian Black Festival of the Arts in February, for church groups, during student liturgies, and at other times as needed. Fundamental vocal practices and techniques are taught while emphasizing the nuances of choral (group) singing.

Handbells
Two handbell choirs practice weekly at St. Theresa School. This year 5th and 6th grade students are combined to form the Wednesday choir and 7th and 8th graders form the Friday choir. Each choir has at least 11 members participating. In addition to learning how to play handbells and handchimes and employ musical techniques unique to this instrument, students learn rhythm, note recognition, and ensemble playing. The handbell choirs participate at the Christmas and spring concerts and also at an all-day Catholic School Handbell Festival held in the spring at All Saints Church in Hayward. Students may also have opportunities to play for church worship services and student liturgies.