Music Program | Sacred Heart Schools Atherton

Listen Up: SHS Music News

Keep up with all our Arts News updates as we highlight student achievement in the Fine Arts fields.

SHP Saxophonist On Path to Music Career
Through a work ethic born out of necessity to cope with dyslexia, Nathan Palmer (SHP ’23) is finding opportunities as a musician
Students Selected to All-State Honor Band
Two middle schoolers were selected to the prestigious ensemble
Quartet San Francisco Enjoys Residency at SHS
The GRAMMY-nominated group spent two weeks working with SHS students
Students Sing National Anthem at NBA Warriors Game
A joint SHP-Menlo School choral group was invited to sing a capella at Chase Center as result of outstanding Valpo Bowl rendition
‘Sister Act’ Brings Arts and Entertainment to RSCJ
SHP student’s program helps SHS community connect weekly with Oakwood Sisters through arts

GR 6-8 Music Programs

List of 3 items.

Instrumental

The Middle School Instrumental Program develops students’ individual and ensemble musicianship through playing a wind or percussion instrument. The ensembles read and perform music in a variety of styles and from a variety of eras, while building the sense of community that is central to the Sacred Heart tradition. This program is dedicated to a quality, comprehensive, sequential, National Arts and California State Standards-based music education
Chorus

The Middle School Chorus Program offers students the opportunity to experience music in a choral setting where they will develop both individual and ensemble musicianship skills. This program is dedicated to a quality, comprehensive, sequential, National Arts and California State Standards-based music education. Objectives include learning music theory, reading and writing music, and demonstrating proper vocal technique in solo and ensemble settings.
Other Music Courses & Clubs
VOCAL
- Morning Chorus
  Morning Chorus is a come-all ensemble for students in grades 4-8. Students play games and learn songs to perform at the Holiday Treat and Spring Concert.
- Gator Tones
  Gator Tones is an auditioned middle school chamber ensemble that performs at the Christmas and Spring Concerts, as well as various other engagements on and off campus.
INSTRUMENTAL
Jazz Band
The Jazz Band guild is open to all middle school instrumentalists. Students learn the songs, rich history, famous artists, and improvisation found in Jazz music. Students develop their listening skills and express themselves in musical improvisation.

UnOrchestra
The UnOrchestra guild offers students with experience playing stringed instruments the opportunity to collaborate and play chamber music together. Students can play classical music, contemporary or film scores, or even their own original compositions and arrangements.

GR 9-12 Music Programs

List of 6 items.

Beginner/Intermediate Instrumental Music

Beginner/Intermediate Instrumental Music is designed for students with beginner to intermediate musical experience. It offers traditional band instrumentation, including strings, woodwind, brass, and percussion. The course aims to develop the technique, rhythm, tone, quality of sound, sight-reading, and performance confidence of less experienced players in the class. This is achieved through ensemble rehearsal, sectional practice, individual practice, performance, and reflection. Students can expect required performances outside of the school day, including but not limited to one formal evening Winter Holiday performance and one formal evening Spring performance. A limited number of instruments are available for rent, free of charge. Please see the instructor for availability. While students earn UC credit for this course, it's important to note that if taken to satisfy the year-long UC “F” requirement for Visual & Performing Arts, the full year-long course must be completed.

Prerequisite:
(0-3 years of experience)
Grades 9-12
Jazz Band

The SHP Jazz Band is designed for advanced musicians playing keyboards, bass, electric guitar, drums, saxophones, trumpet, trombone, and clarinet. In addition to the Holiday Treat and the Spring Music Showcase, the Jazz Band is featured at various SHP events, including the Annual SHP Fine Arts Chili Cook-Off and Prep Preview Days. Students perform a diverse repertoire ranging from Jazz standards to contemporary covers. Jazz Band warmly welcomes soloists and student arrangers!
Advanced Symphony

The SHP Advanced Symphony is designed for advanced string, woodwind, brass, and percussion instrumentalists. As one of the premier performing ensembles at SHP, the Advanced Symphony takes the stage at various events throughout the year and is prominently featured at the annual Holiday Treat, as well as the Spring Music Showcase. The repertoire spans classical, contemporary, and world music, including both instructor and student arrangements. The Advanced Symphony proudly participates in semi-annual Fine Arts trips and local/state festivals.

Symphony members also have the opportunity to explore contemporary pop music as part of the SHP Pep Band, actively participating in performances at several SHP football and basketball games, as well as making annual appearances at a Spring Golden State Warriors game
Chorus

Sacred Heart Preparatory (SHP) provides many opportunities for vocalists.
Advanced Chorus is the premiere group and requires an audition to join. The group tours at least every other year both internationally or nationally. Past trips include Carnegie Hall in New York City, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Rome and Florence. The Advanced Chorus has earned excellent and superior ratings at many choir competitions and festivals throughout the country.

Chorus 1 is a singing program that does not require an audition. It offers a relaxed atmosphere, and the students often choose many of the songs to sing. Chorus 1 performs at the annual Winter and Spring Concerts as well as nearby retirement centers, including Oakwood Center, our on-campus retirement community.

SHP also features two fantastic a cappella groups: Singing Guys and Girls A Cappella.
String Ensemble

The SHP String Ensemble consists of intermediate/advanced violin, viola, cello, and double bass instrumentalists. Our program focuses on both classical and contemporary string repertoire, emphasizing rehearsal and performance techniques such as articulation, phrasing, and stylistic interpretation. Students in the SHP String Ensemble perform frequently throughout the year, including at the annual SHP Fine Arts Chili Cook-Off, both the Holiday Boutique and Holiday Treat, Community Life Gatherings, and the Spring Music Showcase. Many players in the String Ensemble are also given the opportunity to perform in the orchestra pit for our annual Spring Musical.
Other Music Courses and Ensembles

AP Music Theory is a year-long introductory college-level music theory course where students cultivate their understanding of pitch, rhythm, form, and composition. Singing will be a regular part of the class, as the AP exam includes a sight-singing portion. The course is designed for advanced high school students interested in chord structure, choral harmony, melodic dictation, and harmonic dictation.

Prerequisite:
(Completion of a full year of Advanced Instrumental Music AND Instructor Approval)

Other Music Ensembles (Based on student interest)
Brass Quintet, Woodwind Ensemble, Rock Band, Funk Band and Guitar Club

Competitions & Festivals

In recent years, the SHP (GR 9-12) instrumental band and choral groups have performed in the California All-State Honors Band, the CMEA Jazz West Festival, and numerous opportunities throughout the year. In addition, these groups have traveled during the summer to perform and compete in Europe and domestically.