Benefits of 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.
Course Offerings
High School Band
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 performances include the Veteran’s Day, Christmas and Spring concerts, field trips, the ACSI Music Festival, Coffee House Live and pep band. Additional performances may be added during the school day. 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, 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.
High School Band-Honors Credit Option
Students wanting to participate in the High School Band with Honors Credit will participate in the Aurora Christian High School band and have the opportunity to enhance their instrumental skills, deepen their understanding of music theory, and participate in a wide variety of challenging and rewarding musical performances.
Honors credit students are expected to demonstrate advanced musicality, leadership, and self-discipline, both during rehearsals and in their individual practice routines. In addition to weekly rehearsals, students will audition for ILMEA, complete weekly theory assignments, attend performances by professional ensembles and complete a research paper on a topic to be agreed upon by the teacher and student. Participation in all performances, including concerts and festivals, is a key component of the course.
Students will be evaluated on their technical skill, musical expression, and commitment to the ensemble. As an honors-level course, students will be challenged to exceed basic expectations and will have opportunities for growth in music theory, ear training, and conducting. This course is ideal for students seeking to advance their musicianship in a collaborative and challenging environment while earning honors credit toward their high school diploma.
Open to grades 10-12
Prerequisites: Earned a 94% or above in band the previous school year, attended all performances the previous year and Director approval
High School 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 many opportunities 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 excellence and to encourage a feeling of self-worth in the student. Choir performances include the Christmas and Spring concerts, field trips, the ACSI Music Festival, and Coffee House Live. Other in-school performances may include chapel and other assemblies. 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.