Catholic Connections

Singing 

Instruments 

Improvising 

Composing & Arranging 

Reading & Notating Music 

Listening to, Analyzing, & Describing Music 

Evaluating Music & Performances 

Understanding the Interdisciplinary Nature of Music

Understanding the Connections Between Music, History, & Culture 

sing alone and in small and large ensembles sacred music (i.e., songs, hymns, psalms, and acclamations) using good breath control, accuracy, and expression

sing music for worship representing diverse genres and cultures

sing appropriate music for worship in twoand three-part settings

participate in a choral ensemble singing a varied repertoire of sacred music with a moderate level of difficulty, including some songs from memory

perform appropriate instrumental music for worship independently or in an ensemble with expression and technical accuracy

perform instrumental accompaniment demonstrating appropriate balance between cantor and singing assembly

who participate in an instrumental ensemble or class perform with expression and technical accuracy a varied sacred repertoire with a moderate level of difficulty  

improvise simple harmonic accompaniments using music for worship

improvise simple melodic and rhythmic variations of familiar sacred repertoire

improvise short melodies for worship (e.g., Gospel verse) 

compose short pieces/songs for use in a variety of worship experiences (e.g., liturgy, assembly, prayer services, and special celebrations) within specified guidelines

arrange simple vocal and instrumental music for worship using a variety of traditional and non-traditional sources

read rhythmic notation in duple and triple meters using music for worship

read at sight simple melodies for worship in both treble and bass clefs

identify and define standard notation symbols in music for worship

use standard notation to record musical ideas appropriate for worship

sightread sacred music with an easy level of difficulty with accuracy and expression in a choral or instrumental ensemble  

describe specific music events in a given sacred song

analyze the uses of elements of music in sacred repertoire representing diverse genres and cultures

demonstrate knowledge of the appropriate placement of sacred music selected for worship

listen to and identify music for its appropriate placement and usage within the liturgical rites of the Catholic Church

evaluate the quality and effectiveness of sacred music in recordings, compositions, and worship services

evaluate the quality and effectiveness of their own and others’ playing, singing, arranging, and composing of music used in worship

compare how art, dance, music, and theatre can be used to enhance the worship environment throughout the liturgical year

describe ways in which other subject areas (i.e., religion, social science, language arts) interrelate with music used for worship 

describe and classify styles of exemplary sacred music throughout the history of the Catholic Church

compare, in several cultures of the world, the functions music serves in worship, roles of pastoral musicians, and the conditions under which the music is played/sung