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. All performances are mandatory. Class meets during zero hour (before school) four days per week.
Middle School
Concert Band consists of a 6th grade and a 7th/8th grade band class. Students perform in a winter and spring concert. The middle school bands also participate in a Six Flags music festival.
Elementary
5th Grade Concert Band is a full-year class that meets twice weekly. This class focuses on the fundamentals of music, including the basics of instrumental performance. Students perform in a winter and spring concert as well as the Fine Arts Night.
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 CHRISTIAN is her favorite part of the day because she gets to share her love of music with her students.
Elementary Orchestra is offered in 3rd & 4th grade after school and in 5th grade during the school day. Students learn the skills to play their chosen instrument, read music, and work as an ensemble. The skills learned in elementary orchestra prepare the students for middle and high school orchestra performances.
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. 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. Orchestra students can audition for the Metro 8 Middle School Honors Orchestras
High School Orchestra students will further refine their skills. High School Orchestra students participate in the MSHSAA Solo and Ensemble Festival, MSHSAA Large Ensemble Festival, the MMEA All State Orchestra, and a Music in the Parks festival and competition. Orchestra students can audition for the Metro 8 High School Honors Orchestras
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!