Music

Music stimulates the creative mind and unleashes multidimensional thinking that reinforces the highest level of intellect, memory and sensory awareness.  Studies and statistics highlight a dramatic variance that cannot be ignored from SAT test scores of students involved in music classes compared to those who not involved.  Being involved in music teaches life skills that are beyond the rehearsal hall and the concert stage.  These skills include but are not limited to: commitment, time management, attention to detail, memorization, focus, teamwork and discipline.  Learning music also builds self-esteem, improves academic performance, and provides spiritual growth.

Band

Students must possess enough knowledge of their instrument and music literacy in order to be allowed into band. This
will be determined by the teacher. High School Band is an opportunity to further advance technical facility, tone, intonation, phrasing, and general musicianship through the exploration and performance of a wide variety of styles of music. Skills will be increased through sectionals. The teamwork of working towards a common goal in preparation for concerts and music events fosters self-discipline and a challenge for the pursuit of excellence.

The band serves a two-fold purpose. From a performance aspect, our music is a ministry to our audience...a ministry of glorifying the Lord through our music. The band is also a ministry to the students involved. It is an outlet for fellowship as they learn to work in harmony. Band activities include fund raising projects, school concerts, church concerts, festivals with other schools, contests, pep band, trips and tours as the budget will allow. Graduation is the final performance of the school year. All concerts are mandatory and a major portion of the student’s grade. Instruments must be provided by the student except when school instruments are rented. Reeds, valve oil, slide oil, cork grease, drum sticks, mutes, and Joel Rothman's "Teaching Rhythm", etc. must be purchased by the student. Open to grades 9, 10, 11, 12. Must have at least 2 years experience in a junior high band, or teacher permission.

Choir

Choir is designed to teach basic music skills, including note reading, sight singing, and ear training. It will familiarize the student with a variety of musical styles and literature. Choir will provide a broad experiential base which the student may draw from as he/she continues to enjoy music throughout life. It is the goal of the choir experience to enable each student to participate in ensemble singing with satisfaction and to encourage a feeling of self-worth in the student.

Choir activities include school concerts, church concerts, festivals, contest, trips, fund raising projects, and tours as the budget allows. Graduation is the final performance of the school year. All concerts are mandatory and a major portion of the student’s grade. Open to grades 9, 10, 11, 12.

Aurora Christian School Music Department Mission:

The purpose of the music program at ACS is to educate, challenge, and inspire students to create and perform through music as an act of worship.  The music program is also designed to provide students the opportunity to undergo life-altering experiences.      
The students will use the skills learned in the music classroom, to benefit their daily lives in the way of achievement, leadership, character and self-discipline.  These basic life skills, along with the intrinsic motivation learned in the music classroom, will assist them with life way beyond high school.