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Steve Crossscrossolvnorthville.netMusic Education Teacher
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Welcome to the Our Lady of Victory Music Program!
The music program at Our Lady of Victory Catholic School continues to aim for excellence. Our choir program starts in Kindergarten, and continues through the fifth grade in elementary, with an elective band program in middle school.
OUR MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND PROGRAM HISTORY
The band program started in 2014 with 25 brave students trying a new academic elective. After a few months, the band performed at their first concert in front of over 1000 people at the Annual Christmas Program. Later in the year, they performed at the Music in the Parks Festival at Cedar Point. The students earned a Superior Rating from the judges.In its second year, the band program had 66 participants and performed at the Annual Christmas Program, the Spring Showcase, and the Music in the Parks Festival at Cedar Point. Once again, the students earned a Superior Rating from the judges! Our 8th grade students also performed at a few Masses for our parish.Click here to see the 2016 performance at Cedar Point!
In the third year, we split the program into a beginning band and a 7th and 8th grade concert band. This offered more opportunities for our older students to be involved in community work, such as the Veteran's Day Mass, performing at Assisted Living Homes for those who cannot always get out to hear live music, and the Kindergarten Move Up Day. Check out their performances on the Middle School Band tab. Concert Band received a Superior Rating, and was 2nd place overall in the Middle School Concert Band Division. Beginning Band received an Excellent Rating, and was 1st place in the Middle School 2nd Concert Band Division (note: we chose rating only, but compare scores once we return home).
Our fourth year together saw the first Michigan performance at the Michigan Music Educators Association Band Festival in Belleville. Later that same year, the students had their first overnight trip to Cincinnati to perform at Music in the Parks Kings Island, where they received a Superior Rating. The students had the opportunity to perform, take a riverboat cruise, have a clinic at the University of Cincinnati with the Bearcat Band directors, spend the day at Kings Island Amusement Park, attend mass at the University of Dayton, and watch the finals of the Winter Guard International Winds Division World Chapmionships.OUR ELEMENTARY MUSIC PROGRAMThe elementary music program has seen growth in knowledge and performance. Students were able to study basic music reading skills such as rhythm reading and some solfege reading to learn pitch in music. Each class performs on the Christmas Concert in front of 1000 people! The students also perform a new, all-school event, the Spring Showcase.
Several students were able to perform in Michigan Music Educator's Association events, such as the Elementary Choir Festival held at Detroit Country Day School, and the Elementary All-State Honors Choir. All of our auditioning students made the All-State Choir!
In addition to our performances at our school, our students in grade 4 and 5 participated in the Veteran's Day Mass at OLV Catholic Church, with the Star-spangled Banner, Taps, and other patriotic selections being performed for a packed hall. Our service to OLV is just as important as our service to our own concerts.
By selecting a grade on the right, you can see what the students will be studying, and be able to read updates on a regular basis. Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions about the music program.
- Steve Cross, School Music Director -