At Holy Name of Jesus School, our music program emphasizes learning through a variety of dynamic and interactive methods, allowing students to engage deeply with music in both creative and educational ways. Through movement and dance, singing, pretend play, imitation, and playing a wide range of percussion instruments, students explore music not just as an academic subject, but as a hands-on, expressive experience. We introduce the Dalcroze Eurhythmics method, which integrates movement with music to help students feel the rhythms and structures of music through their bodies. Additionally, students study the Kodály method, focusing on the use of solfege syllables (do, re, mi, fa, sol, la, ti, do) to develop their understanding of tonalities and enhance their elementary note reading skills. These approaches create a foundation for music theory while encouraging improvisation and creativity. Whether using their bodies, voices, percussion instruments, or xylophones, students have endless opportunities to create and experiment with sound. Alongside musical growth, we foster social-emotional learning, cooperation, and good manners, helping students develop both musically and personally. The program culminates in performances such as Gator Fest and our annual Christmas program, giving students the chance to share their musical talents with the broader community.
At Holy Name of Jesus School, our music program offers students the opportunity to learn the recorder using the Recorder Karate method, a fun and engaging approach that rewards students for mastering each song with excellent pitch, rhythm, articulation, and tone. As students progress, they earn colored belts that they can proudly tie to their recorder, creating a positive reinforcement system that encourages growth and accomplishment. In addition to developing instrumental skills, students also explore a rich repertoire of music aligned with our Carnegie Hall Curriculum, giving them the unique experience of performing in a concert with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. Beyond performance, our students engage in kinesthetic music classes, which blend movement with musical learning. They are introduced to a wide range of composers and musicians, spanning from the Middle Ages to the present, with special attention given to the historical and social significance of New Orleans’ rich musical heritage. This exploration of diverse time periods and cultures ties directly into our broader focus on community and compassion, both in the classroom and beyond. Our most proficient students are given opportunities to perform during school masses, showcasing their skills and contributing to the spiritual life of our school. Additionally, students perform annually at both Gator Fest and our Christmas programs, further strengthening their musical and social growth.
In 4th grade, students are introduced to both the recorder and the ukulele, providing them with a well-rounded musical education. Using the ukulele, students dive into key music theory concepts, including intervals, melodies, and chords, which help them build a strong foundation in understanding the structure of music. The ukulele also offers a creative outlet for students to experiment with improvisation, songwriting, and develop their performance skills. This hands-on approach encourages students to explore their musical expression while building technical proficiency. Alongside learning these instruments, students are exposed to composers and musicians from the Middle Ages to the present, with special attention given to the historical and social significance of New Orleans music. This broad exploration helps students appreciate how music connects to different cultures and time periods. Our 4th grade students showcase their musical growth through performances at the annual Gator Fest Show and our Christmas programs, where they have the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and share their musical journey with the school community.
Middle school students have weekly classes for one trimester during each school year. Students will gain comprehensive and in-depth knowledge about music through a variety of experiences often breaking into groups and collaborating to create choreography, or work on musical concepts through improvisation, percussion pieces, and composition. Each student will have access to play the drum set, electric guitar, electric bass, percussion instruments, and ukuleles. Students will focus on proper technique, reading and writing music, ear training, and will learn scales, intervals, and chords. We will use all of our classroom instruments to practice and solidify music theory concepts that are studied.
Students are exposed to composers and musicians from the Middle Ages through today in many genres and special attention is paid to the historical, and social significance of the music of New Orleans. Our curriculum continually emphasizes community and compassion within our classroom and beyond.
Middle schoolers have the opportunity to participate in our elective program taking trimester courses in songwriting, jazz ensemble, conducting, and a drum course called Backbeat.Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra: Using the Carnegie Hall Link Up curriculum, our students in grades 2-5 study, sing, and play all of the concert pieces before attending an interactive, annual music concert with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra.
Middle School Electives: We offer a variety of music electives for our students in grades 5-7.
Songwriting: In this class, students explore the creative process behind their favorite singer/songwriters' hit songs and learn the secrets behind crafting original music. This class shows students just how easy and fun it can be to create your own song, whether with or without musical accompaniment. We’ll focus on the key building blocks of songwriting, including setting words to music, developing melodies, working with chords and chord progressions, and understanding song forms and arrangements. Through hands-on exercises and collaboration, students will gain the tools to express their own unique musical ideas, and by the end of the course, they’ll have the skills to write their very own original song.
Backbeat: This class is for students who are serious about learning rhythms, drum rudiments, and executing drum fills. Students will use drum sticks, our classroom drum set, as well as hand percussion instruments.Jazz Ensemble: Students will rotate every few weeks and learn how to play the electric bass, electric guitar, drum set, trumpet, and learn how to sing and scat! We will play some of the best swing and jazz tunes ever written!
Curious Conducting: This class is designed for students who want to try out a conducting baton and experience the thrill of leading a group! You will have the opportunity to conduct some of your favorite songs, while also learning about the important preparation and study required before stepping in front of a group to conduct them. Effective conducting is not just about moving your hands; it involves understanding the music, leading with clarity, and guiding the ensemble to create a cohesive performance. If you're considering a future as a music teacher or aspiring to join a band or orchestra in high school, this class will equip you with the foundational skills and knowledge needed to confidently direct a group and bring the music to life. Get ready to discover what it takes to lead with precision and passion!Becoming a Music Teacher: This class is perfect for students who are interested in teaching music and exploring what it takes to be a music leader! You will receive a crash course in essential skills such as conducting, music theory, teaching rhythms and percussion instruments, and how to introduce piano to beginners. You’ll also learn effective strategies for teaching music to young children (ages 4-8), conducting a choir or band, and directing a live performance. Throughout the course, students will create their own lesson plans and performance ideas, giving them the opportunity to put their newfound skills into practice by leading some of Holy Name of Jesus School’s younger students.
Ukulele Strummers: In this fun and engaging ukulele class, students will learn the basics of playing chords and melodies, while also discovering the joy of performing classic songs like "Hound Dog," "You Are My Sunshine," "Jambalaya," "Lil’ Liza Jane," and more. As students progress, they will improve in many areas, including enhanced coordination, math and pattern recognition skills, and creative thinking. Improvisation and songwriting are encouraged, giving students the freedom to express their own musical ideas and creativity.
Music Meditation: This class offers students a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the day, providing an opportunity to relax and unwind through meditation. We will begin by meditating to the natural sounds around us, allowing students to connect with the calming atmosphere of the environment. Next, we will explore meditation with recorded music, guiding students to focus on their breath and inner calm. Finally, students will have the chance to create their own meditative music using classroom instruments, allowing them to express tranquility through sound. Blankets and pillows are encouraged to help create a comfortable and cozy space for relaxation.