Instrumental Music
The ECS instrumental music program inspires students to create, perform, and respond to their spiritual gifts and talents through individual musicianship and ensemble performances. Students are challenged to master music principles and connect musical expression to other disciplines and God’s creation. We encourage students to take initiative in their musicianship in developing soft skills from time management and problem solving to team building and servant leadership. Student musicians will have opportunities to audition and perform in regional events, travel with performing groups, and develop lasting friendships while enrolled in instrumental music courses.
UPPER SCHOOL MUSIC
Advanced Instrumental Music
Students in the Advanced Instrumental Music class will further study the individual skills and techniques on their focus instruments. As a continuation of the “Intro to Contemporary Instrumental Music” course, students in the advanced course will continue to develop their ensemble playing skills, music theory aptitude and have regular performance opportunities including semester concerts and leading worship services in the ECS Chapel. This course requires prerequisite knowledge of music theory and instrument study, which will be credited by audition or the successful completion of an Intro to Contemporary Instrumental Music course.
Intro to Contemporary Instrumental Music
The Intro to Contemporary Instrumental Music course serves as a “first step” into the ECS Instrumental Music Program. Students in the Intro course will learn the fundamentals of music theory, and begin to apply their skills to one of three main instrument families. Students will study and be assessed on the foundational elements of drums, keyboard and guitar. At the end of the first quarter, each student will determine their primary instrument, which they will focus on exclusively for the remainder of the course. This course serves as a prerequisite for the Advanced Instrumental Music course.
MIDDLE SCHOOL INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
Intro to Instrumental Music
The Intro to Contemporary Instrumental Music course serves as a “first step” into the ECS Instrumental Music Program. Students in the Intro course will learn the fundamentals of music theory and begin to apply their skills to one of three main instrument families. Students will study and be assessed on the foundational elements of drums, keyboard and guitar. At the end of the first quarter, each student will determine his/her primary instrument, which will be the student's exclusive focus for the remainder of the course. This course serves as a prerequisite for the Advanced Instrumental Music course.
UPPER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MUSIC
Upper Elementary Music meets once a week and provides students with a foundation in introductory music theory, including note reading, rhythm, and musical symbols. Students receive hands-on instruction in ukulele, keyboard, bucket drums, and tone chimes, fostering both individual musicianship and ensemble performance skills.
Instrumental music is featured in our Christmas Program and Spring Concert, allowing students to share their learning in a public setting. Recognizing music as a gift from God, the course encourages students to use their talents for His glory while fostering creativity, musical understanding, and a lasting appreciation for the performing arts.
LOWER SCHOOL MUSIC
Lower School music introduces instrument families and focuses on bringing Psalm 150 to life. “Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet,...with harp…with loud cymbals….let every thing that has breath praise the Lord!”
All grade levels participate in instrumental music classes with several programs presented throughout the year.
LS instrumental curriculum uses Orff instruments including xylophones, metallophones and resonator bars along with various types of percussion instruments. Lap keyboards and other pitched instruments are incorporated for students to learn musical improvisation and create new sounds and songs.
- 1st grade: precorders, by Suzuki
- 2nd grade: flutophones
- 3rd grade: recorders
