Music
Music is a rich part of the fabric of Grace.
JK - 8
Everyone can and should enjoy music literacy, which is the premise of music instruction to young students. Early childhood students take a combined music and dance course, and beginning in Grade 1 music is taught separately. The music education program helps students to develop intellectual capacity through the enlargement of vocabulary, increase of memory span, logical thinking, imagination, clarity of speech and recitation skills.
Middle school students continue their study of vocal and instrumental music with expanded options to learn a new instrument (Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Percussion, Violin, Viola, Cello and Bass). Beginning and advanced instruction is available to all students Grades 5-12. Students can join several ensembles including GCS Singers, chamber choir, jazz band, rock band, and orchestra. Students have multiple opportunities to perform, including combined shows with other art students in dance and drama.
Middle school students continue their study of vocal and instrumental music with expanded options to learn a new instrument (Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Percussion, Violin, Viola, Cello and Bass). Beginning and advanced instruction is available to all students Grades 5-12. Students can join several ensembles including GCS Singers, chamber choir, jazz band, rock band, and orchestra. Students have multiple opportunities to perform, including combined shows with other art students in dance and drama.
High School
The music program at the high school helps students to gain a greater appreciation for, and a deeper understanding of music as another way to communicate. They gain this understanding through active participation in musical ensembles. There are four jazz bands, three string ensembles, and a rock band club. The instruments in these ensembles include saxophone, trumpet, trombone, guitar, piano, drums, violin, viola, cello and bass. All group placement and participation is by audition. Students who have never played an instrument before also have the opportunity to start an instrument in one of the beginning ensembles.The Vocal Music program at the High School contains multiple ensembles- Beginning Vocals, Intermediate Vocals, and GraceNotes- the audition-only vocal ensemble. There is also a Glee Club that is student run. Students perform in a wide variety of styles in the groups, and perform throughout the year at chapels, community meetings, spring concerts and special events. Students in their 11th and 12th grade year may apply to become a Vocal Major or Jazz Major, which is a yearlong course that replaces a core academic class, consisting of rigorous training in their respective instrument, as well as advanced music theory and projects.
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Grace Church School is a co-educational independent school in downtown Manhattan, New York City providing instruction for nearly 800 students in Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12.
