Music
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Music making is an active process that begins with movement and ends with creation.
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Every student in lower school participates in a general music class that involves singing, playing, and moving. The process begins with imitation, allows for exploration and application, and ends with creation and improvisation. In middle school, students focus on making music together with the best sound possible. Working together to create harmony in sound, our students not only learn the mechanics of reading and producing beautiful music, but also learn how to work together. Music at the upper school level is designed to cultivate a high degree of musicianship. Students hone their techniques, are encouraged to participate in All Region and State contests, and travel for performances. |
Band
Band is a performance-based study of woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments and corresponding music literature. These courses emphasize reading music, development of musicianship, and both solo and ensemble performance.
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Students can begin taking band courses in middle school and are provided many opportunities to play their instruments beyond the classroom and at community performances throughout the year. ESD events, like Symphony of Hope, are enhanced by our own band students providing the musical accompaniments for friends and family at the service. |
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Our students also participate in TPSMEA events and in middle and upper school performance trips. Last year, six upper school ESD band musicians performed advanced-level solos at the Fort Worth TPSMEA State Solo and Ensemble Contest. Learn more about our band offerings in our Curriculum Guide. |
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Participating in band means you are part of a team that depends on each individual to grow, learn, share and have fun with each other. The greatest joy is showcasing all the work with the audience.
- Doug Jordan, Middle and Upper School Band Director
Choir
Choir classes focus on making music together with the best choral sound possible.
Students learn to sing both in unison and in harmony, develop fluency in sight reading, and often sing songs in other languages. We also encourage students to audition for location All-Region and All-State choirs.
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Students get to partake in choir classes throughout their lower school years. The lessons they learn in choir translate into their magnificent musical productions each grade puts on every year. Additionally, Fourth Grade Singers, a choir club, is one of the lower school's most popular clubs! Learn more about our band offerings in our Cirriculum Guide. |
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Upper school students are encouraged to participate in the Texas Private School Music Educators Association (TPSMEA) All-Region and All-State auditions. Last year, 16 upper school students earned spots in All-Region Choir and seven qualified for All-State. |
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Sparking wonder through songs, poems, dances, and instruments is how elementary children stay engaged in music class weekly.
- Rebecca Bryan, Elementary Music Teacher
Orchestra
Orchestra introduces students to string ensemble performance techniques and the basics of their chosen instruments and basic musicianship through a variety of musical genres and historical periods.
Students are encouraged to participate in TPSMEA All-State ensembles, Region Orchestra, Solo/Ensemble contests, and the ISAS Arts Festival. The ensemble performs at the Fall Choir Concert, Lessons and Carols, various chapel services, and other ESD community events throughout the school year.
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Students can begin taking orchestra or strings courses in middle school and are provided many opportunities to play their instruments beyond the classroom. Our students participate in group concerts, TPSMEA events, and in middle and upper school performance trips. |
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There are no prerequisites at any level in strings, just a willingness and a desire to learn. If a student has a strong interest in strings, we encourage students at all levels to participate in the After School Strings Club that meets once a week. |
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Students learn much more than how to play an instrument. They learn how to focus for extended periods of time, how to work as a team, and how to be life-long learners.
- Adrian Demian, Middle and Upper School Strings Director
