Student enrollment isn’t the only thing growing at Courtney Christian School – the school’s music program has also taken off under the direction of Mrs. Rhonda Hatfield, music director. From weekly music education classes to private piano and voice lessons, CCS students have many options to learn and refine music skills during the school day.
Students in kindergarten through fifth grade join Mrs. Hatfield for a music education class each week. During this time, students play games and complete activities to learn musical notes, instruments and music history; they also get to experience hands-on learning, such as practicing rhythm using bucket drums, rhythm sticks and boomwhackers during a recent percussion unit.
For additional music experience, students in Pre-K4 through eighth grade have the option to sign up for private piano and voice lessons during the school day. Weekly piano lessons are taught by Mrs. Hatfield, Mrs. Dana Morse and Ms. Emily Miller, while Ms. Miller also teaches weekly voice lessons. At the end of each semester, these students participate in a recital to demonstrate what they’ve learned.
Additionally, fifth through eighth grade students can select music as a weekly elective on their schedules. The students participating in music elective can opt for classes such as hymn study, garage band or choir. These hands-on classes increase students’ exposure to music, and the students have opportunities to participate in special performances during the school’s annual Christmas program and spring worship concert directed by Mrs. Hatfield.
Students can audition for the school choir beginning in fourth grade, and students in both fourth grade choir and middle school choir perform often throughout the community and during school special events such as the annual Veterans Day program, Christmas program and worship concert.
“Mrs. Hatfield’s vision for our music program has allowed our students to deepen their knowledge, embrace new opportunities, and develop their skills and talents,” said Mrs. Sue Courtney, head of school. “We look forward to seeing how our music program will continue to grow under her leadership.”
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