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Upcoming Event

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (School Holiday)
Jan 20

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (School Holiday)

January 20, 2025

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Learning and Sharing through Song

Studying and performing music helps students express feelings, share with one another, and connect to God. Research has also shown that music education enhances fine motor skills, cultivates critical thinking, advances math achievement, and improves reading skills. We provide opportunities to study, play, and perform at all ages.

Offerings

  • Little Harding

    Music is a core element of our pre-school curriculum. Music performances (show and share, concerts, and skits) help children practice articulation and sequencing while gaining confidence addressing groups.

  • Lower School

    In lower school music, students learn to express themselves through song. Their ability to perform with instruments, voices, and imaginations are cultivated through exposure to various musicians and musical styles. After-school music enrichment classes are available through LEAP.

  • Middle & Upper School Chorus

    We strive to be ambassadors for Christ through music. In all of our choruses, students share their faith through song and form long-lasting relationships. The friendships developed in chorus are some of the strongest bonds our alumni take with them.

    Exploratory Chorus (grade 6)
    Exploratory chorus meets one semester. Students learn the fundamentals of singing including note and rhythm recognition, sight singing, SOL-FEG, voice development, and singing in unison and in harmony.

    Middle School Chorus (grades 6–8)
    The middle school chorus is by audition and performs two concerts each year on the the O. O. Emmons stage. They also perform at the WTVMEA choral concert festival.

    A Cappella Chorus (grades 9–12)
    The a cappella chorus is by audition and performs two concerts each year on the the O. O. Emmons stage. They also perform at the WTVMEA choral concert festival. Every three years, they take a trip in the spring to Disney World. Students can earn honors credits for this course by being selected for All-Southwest honors (by audition).

  • Middle & Upper School Band

    Our band program encompasses all levels of instrumental training. From students who have never picked up an instrument to students who have been playing since they could crawl, there is a place for everyone. Band is by nature a collaborative process, allowing students to build positive relationships built on mutual trust. Our goal is to be unified through Christ and music.

    Exploratory Band (grade 6)
    Meets one semester, learning fundamentals of playing an instrument (note and rhythm recognition, playing in unison and in parts, sight-reading music, etc.).

    Beginner Band (grades 6–7)
    For students with any experience level. The course focuses on learning the fundamentals of playing an instrument and learning how to play instruments with a group. The Beginner Band performs three concerts on the O. O. Emmons stage.

    Junior Concert Band (grades 7–9)
    Junior concert band course is for students who have at least one year of playing experience and are continuing in their journey in instrumental music. Students will continue to master their skills of the band fundamentals and will be given more opportunities to work together as a group. Junior concert band will perform three concerts as well as the WTSBOA Concert Festival. Junior concert band will also have an opportunity to earn a spring trip and perform in a festival during that trip.

    Senior Wind Ensemble (grades 9–12)
    Senior wind ensemble is for students who have taken their playing seriously and wish to perform with others at a higher level. Through a series of requirements over a three-year period, students that have become a part of senior wind ensemble know the sacrifice that must go into making the group sound the best it possibly can. Senior wind ensemble will perform three concerts, the WTSBOA Concert Festival, and a spring tour festival each year. Every three years, they take a trip in the spring to Disney World. Students can earn honors credits for this course by being selected for All-West honors (by audition).

    Pep Band
    Students in senior wind ensemble also play in the pep band unless they are on the football team or on the cheer squad. The pep band helps generate school spirit for our pep rallies and games.

    Jazz Band
    Jazz band is an after-school offering for students interested in performing in a different genre of music in a small ensemble. The jazz band performs yearly at Jazz Lites and at other school functions.

    Musical Orchestra
    The invitation-only orchestra performs in the upper school musical each year.

Jazz Lites

WHEN: February 1, 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Highland Church of Christ
TICKETS: Purchase here

This unique benefit dinner and concert features the Harding Academy jazz band and a cappella singers. They will showcase a variety of styles, eras, and composers while you dine on a delicious meal. All proceeds benefit the band and chorus trips.

Music News

Meet Our Music Teachers

Andréa Campbell
Director of Vocal Performance
Email Andréa

Ms. Campbell’s Deep Hope: You know you are loved by the Father, kept by His Son, and called to use your gifts and talents to glorify His name.

Colby Canterbury
Band Director
Email Colby

Mr. Canterbury’s Deep Hope: We are the creative artistry of God. We crave connection with others to sacrificially collaborate and discover a passion for God’s instrumental purpose in our lives.

Rob Brannon
Middle School Chorus Director
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Mr. Brannon’s Deep Hope: My deep hope is that in all things we will glorify the Lord, edify the church, and unify the world through the beauty of music and the power of the gospel.