High School Band
Christian School District’s band program is under the direction of Mr. Michael Smith. The band program at Christian School District begins in 5th grade and builds year-to-year. Students entering band in middle school will learn the basics as well as become prepared to enter into the high school band program.
High School Symphonic Band is a full-year, performance-based class teaching various musical styles. This upper dimension band performs high school level literature. The band has a minimum of five performances per year. Musical opportunities for the Symphonic Band include solo/ensemble festival, large ensemble festival, winter, and spring concerts, and Veterans Chapel.
High School Pep Band is formed from the Symphonic Band and performs at pep rallies and selected basketball games.
High School Jazz Band is a specialized, performance-based class focused on the art of jazz. Students must be enrolled in the Symphonic Band in order to try out for Jazz Band. Material includes jazz music theory, advanced ear training, improvisation, and jazz music history. Performance opportunities include several local jazz festivals, a winter and spring concert, and our annual Glam & Jazz Band Dinner. All performances are mandatory. Class meets during zero hour (before school) four days per week.
Glam & Jazz Dinner is for all Christian School District families and is a great event supporting our band program! This roaring 20s themed night involves great music by our High School Jazz Band, raffles, auctions, great food, and a fun atmosphere!
Orchestra
Christian School District’s Orchestra Program is under the direction of Mrs. Jennifer Goodman. In addition to teaching, Mrs. Goodman is also an active professional freelance violinist and violist in the St. Louis area. She plays regularly with The Bach Society of St. Louis, as well as in the pit orchestra for the Young People’s Theater at St. Charles Community College. She has also performed in the Muny Orchestra, and for numerous touring groups such as Rod Stewart, Page and Plant, The Moody Blues, and The Trans-Siberian Orchestra. In the mornings, Mrs. Goodman works as a software engineer at Boeing. Teaching orchestra at CMS and CHS is her favorite part of the day, because she gets to share her love of music with her students.
Orchestra is offered at the 6th grade, 7th and 8th grade, and high school levels. All orchestras meet daily during school.
6th grade orchestra is for beginners up to intermediate players. Beginners will learn to read notes and play their chosen instrument. 7th and 8th grade Orchestra students will build upon what they learned as beginners, and High School Orchestra students will further refine their skills.
In addition to concerts and school performances, Orchestra students will have numerous enrichment opportunities. All middle school students can participate in the Middle School Solo and Ensemble Festival, and the 7th and 8th Grade Orchestra performs at a Music in the Parks festival and competition. High School Orchestra students participate in the MSHSAA Solo and Ensemble Festival, MSHSAA Large Ensemble Festival, and a Music in the Parks festival and competition. Orchestra students can audition for the Metro 8 Middle School and High School Honors Orchestras, and the MMEA All State Orchestra.
The Orchestra students take field trips to hear professional performances, as well as performing in our community. Most of all, the students build an Orchestra family, and experience the joy of using their musical gifts to God’s glory!
Orchestra is offered in middle school and high school at CSD. All orchestras meet daily during school. High School Orchestra students further refine skills learned in middle school.
In addition to concerts and school performances, Orchestra students will have numerous enrichment opportunities. High School Orchestra students participate in the MSHSAA Solo and Ensemble Festival, MSHSAA Large Ensemble Festival, and a Music in the Parks festival and competition. Orchestra students can audition for the Metro 8 Middle School and High School Honors Orchestras, and the MMEA All State Orchestra.
The Orchestra students take field trips to hear professional performances, as well as performing in our community. Most of all, the students build an Orchestra family, and experience the joy of using their musical gifts to God’s glory!