Music

The music program at Cape Henry Collegiate seeks to foster in each student the development of basic music ability with the long-range goal of creating musical independence and a lifelong appreciation for music. Because music is a basic expression of human culture, every student should have access to a balanced, comprehensive, and sequential program of study in music.

Lower School

Students in Prekindergarten through Grade 3 have two to three music classes per week. They focus on activities that include singing and exploration of music concepts and instruments. Grade 4 is an “exploratory” year. Students have three classes per week as they rotate through units in strings, pre-band (recorders), and chorus. Grade 5 students elect band, chorus, or orchestra for the year and have three weekly classes.

Middle School

All students in Middle School choose an arts elective each year. Band, chorus, and string orchestra classes meet six times out of the seven day cycle. Students who do not take band, chorus, or strings enroll in visual or performing arts class.

Upper School

Upper School students must take a fine arts class for at least one full year, but many young musicians elect to take a music class all four years. Music courses offered in Upper School are band, women’s chorus, mixed chorus, string orchestra, music theory, music history, music technology, and percussion ensemble.

The Cape Henry Jazz Band is an auditioned group that is not a regular course offering, but is comprised of outstanding Middle and Upper School jazz musicians who meet at various times during the week and have developed into one of the area’s finest jazz ensembles. They perform at school and community functions, have won many awards, and were invited to perform at the March 2007 North Texas Jazz Festival, a very prestigious event.

Private Piano Lessons

Private piano lessons are also offered. Although not a part of the curriculum, this is a very popular offering. Students are scheduled for weekly half-hour lessons during the school day. These lessons are offered on a space-available basis, and there is an extra fee for the lessons. Piano recitals are scheduled twice a year for students to play for friends and family.

The Cape Henry Jazz Band is an auditioned group that is not a regular course offering, but is comprised of outstanding Middle and Upper School jazz musicians who meet at various times during the week and have developed into one of the area’s finest jazz ensembles. They perform at school and community functions, have won many awards, and were invited to perform at the March 2007 North Texas Jazz Festival, a very prestigious event.

Performances

All of the performing ensembles perform at least twice a year at Winter and Spring concerts, and there are other performing opportunities at assemblies, community events, festivals, and All-City and District events.