Music

Both vocal and instrumental music instruction is available to students at Canterbury.  Performance skills are supported through musical theater, concerts, weekly Chapel, and many other special occasions during the school year.

In the lower division, all classes have two music periods per week.  For prekindergarten through grade four, the focus is on individual effort, creativity in self-expression, rhythmic motor-muscular response and basic performance skills.  Music for younger students often incorporates movement, sometimes using American Sign Language to sign lyrics or adding percussion instruments.  Orff instruments, an approach developed under the direction of composer Carl Orff, help students learn more than music.  Students become sensitive listeners and considerate participants, working together in a group ensemble.  A Tone Chime Choir, similar in style to handbells, is offered to fourth grade students.   These students learn to read notes, develop rhythm skills and produce beautiful music while working cooperatively. NEW IN 2010-2011 SCHOOL YEAR: All students in grades 3 and 4 will have weekly violin instruction (instruments provided by the school).

Musical theater is another popular venue with two lower school musicals during the year, one for kindergarten through grade two and another for grades three and four.  An all-school production is usually a musical and auditions are open to the entire school community, as described in the section on performing arts.  A cabaret-style revue at the end of the year showcases both musical and theatrical talents in solo and group performances.

Middle and upper school students may choose from over fourteen arts electives.  They may become involved in show choir, general music, band, a wind and percussion ensemble or pep band.  Band and choral students perform in three concerts during the year in the Dollinger Center for the Arts, as well as for other special events. Building self-confidence and self-awareness are critical parts of this process.

Guest artists have included a Christian rock band, Florida Orchestra Brass and Woodwind Quintets as well as Percussion Ensemble, trumpet and French horn musicians, and a vocal specialist, each demonstrating the wide variety of musical styles and interpretation, as well as historical perspective.  A Faculty and Friends Chorale, comprised of members of the faculty, administration and other adults, sing under the direction of Canterbury's choral director at special events such as Commencement and the annual holiday Lessons and Carols service, showing students that music can be a life-long means of creative expression. 

From an introduction to music to honing vocal or instrumental skills, there is a place for each student to develop an appreciation of the beauty of music while learning to work cooperatively and collaborate creatively with others.