Credited as being among the most influential composers of the 20th century, Igor Stravinsky once professed, “The Church knew what the psalmist knew: Music praises God.”

Catholic schools across the diocese seem to agree as they embrace the importance of music for students and provide them with ample opportunity to develop their unique skills and praise God in the process.

In Trenton Catholic Academy, Hamilton, the lower school music program is varied.

Two dozen students divided into two hand chime choirs practice weekly; the “Angel Chimes,” consisting of fourth and fifth grade students, and the “Sounds of Joy,” comprised of sixth through eighth graders, ring out during selected school liturgies. All third grade TCA students are instructed in the recorder, a member of the woodwind family, while second through eighth graders try their hand at the glockenspiel, a percussion instrument that resembles a small xylophone.

An outside music school supplements musical instruction by offering interested students private lessons. A small group of these more advanced musicians share their talents on violin, saxophone, drums and guitar at the school Christmas concert. The TCA lower school choir occasionally sings with its upper school brethren at special events.

Music teacher Susan Jones shared her philosophy about music with The Monitor. “It is important for discipline, to learn to work together, become a well-rounded student, appreciate the arts and to praise God,” she enumerated.

Students in St. Aloysius School, Jackson, find music across the curriculum. On the pre-kindergarten through fourth grade levels, teacher, Deborah Licciardi, introduces students to singing, keyboards, the recorder and a variety of rhythmic instruments to whet their appetites during the weekly lessons.

Jarred Tafaro leads his students in grades five through eight in twice-weekly studies of theory, harmony, style, historical composers and the music of other cultures. He explained, “We try to give students a vocabulary with which to understand and discuss music… [and] expand their awareness and enjoyment of other types of music.”

Tafaro reflected upon the school’s goal to use music to express creativity and self-expression. “I think what makes [it] unique is our commitment to increasing students’ understanding of many different types of music,” he opined, “especially styles to which they may not have been exposed previously.”

The music program in Our Lady of Sorrows School, Mercerville, has been expanding to include instrument lessons for each student beginning in third grade. “It opens another window for them,” stated OLS music teacher Jay Kemmey. “Music speaks a language you can speak across the world.”  Classes are introduced to the clarinet, percussion, recorder and violin; Kemmey won a grant to purchase 30 guitars used during classical guitar lessons for fourth through sixth grade students. 

“A hands-on approach… benefits the students the most,” the teacher continued.

The school band performs at prayer services and school liturgies. “When the band is playing in church, it makes the rest of the school participate with more enthusiasm,” said Kemmey. “The kids love it when we rock-out in church.”