Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
Will my student be judged on how well they sing?
YES! But NOT on whether they have an American Idol voice. Their grades will be based on coming to class with a positive "ready to try it" attitude, and participation. So in a way, they will be graded on how well they sing, because they do need to open their mouths and try. Also, I will be giving them vocal tips so I do expect them to make their best effort and not goof around singing in a raucous or outdoor yelling voice.Back to Top
Is my students being graded solely on their behavior?
In music class, a large portion of a student's grade does depend on participation. If a student is not paying attention, is distracting other students, or otherwise is not participating fully, he or she has not completed the daily activity or assignment, and their daily grade will reflect this. They will also receive project grades that will be based solely on how well they performed in or completed a class or individual project.Back to Top
Will my student have an opportunity to play an instrument?
Music classes will provide opportunities for your student to be exposed to a variety of musical styles as well as encourage and develop their own musical talents. We do not have a band program at St. Joseph; however, we do have a variety of rhythm instruments that we are able to use, including Orff xylophones, and some classes may be introduced to the recorder. I will send letters home to all students learning recorder, so that parents may have the opportunity to purchase their own instruments for their child. The first part of the year, though, we will focus heavily on singing.Back to Top
Is it alright to drop in and talk to you about my child?
Parent conferences can always be arranged; however, these must be scheduled so as to avoid disrupting the students' classtime, and ensure I have time to adequately prepare for all classes. Please call the office or e-mail me if you would like to talk about your child's progress or participation in Music or Happy Hearts.Back to Top
Why don't we sing country or rock songs in the Mass?
The Mass is the celebration of the holy Eucharist - a sacred and solemn occasion. We are allowed at a children's Mass to use music that encourages full and active participation, thus, we use simple refrains and many songs that can be easily memorized, at least in part, by our younger students. Still, everything we do during the Mass should lead our attention upward towards Heaven. The music should help us keep our thoughts on the sacred, not the secular world or rock, pop, and country stars. Thus all of our liturgical music should be sacred not only in text, but also in style, that is, set apart from the secular world and directed toward the holy.Back to Top