Music

Preschool classes sing songs, do finger plays and basic movement exercises, and play musical instruments throughout the day. In addition to daily music activities that enrich classroom units of inquiry, kindergarten classes have music once a week with an experienced music teacher.

At CDS, music education in the elementary school is a vital component of children's learning and development. Students in 1st - 5th grades learn music fundamentals and concepts that establish a foundation for being lifelong musicians. The music program promotes learning skills such as reading music notation, appreciation of world music, and introduces classroom instruments such as unpitched percussion, Orff instruments, world drums, boomwhackers, recorders, and ukulele. The primary focus of the music program is to provide a safe place where students can sing, dance, play instruments, compose, and improvise to many different styles of music to express themselves. All grades develop an awareness of, and an appreciation for music from a range of time and cultures. Students also have a variety of opportunities to perform throughout the year. 

Elementary After School Music Enrichment
Students in grades 3 and older have the opportunity to extend their musical instruction beyond the regular school day. 3rd-5th graders can participate in Elementary Chorus and will perform throughout the year.  4th and 5th graders can be involved in Elementary Musical Theatre where they will learn to work as an ensemble to produce musical theatre productions during the year.

Band, Orchestra and Guitar are the music elective courses available to middle school students. Each course is a full year program that supports aspiring musicians from beginner to advanced. Technical skill development and learning the language of music creates the necessary foundation for students to become productive, independent musicians and effective members of collaborative musical ensembles.  

Band, Orchestra and Guitar students perform annually in December and May.

In addition to volunteer performance opportunities offered throughout the year, all students enrolled in a middle school music elective are invited to apply for membership in our Jr Tri-M chapter, which is the national music honor society with a focus on service through music.

Upper school students can elect to participate in the instrumental music program. They perform at performing arts showcases, marketing events, college counseling events, football games, and pep rallies throughout year. Eleventh and twelfth grade students participating in the IB Diploma Programme can elect to take IB DP Music SL or HL.

Upper school also has the opportunity for students to play in the drum line and the SPIRIT BAND, which performs at sporting events and special events around the school.  Upper school instrumentalists can also perform with the guitar ensemble, concert band, or the upper school chamber ensemble, a mixed ensemble that plays all types of music from classical to big band jazz.