Music instruction at OLPH School is embraced and considered an important way students can praise their creator.  Students learn to participate in song at weekly School Liturgies and are able to worship God by singing Liturgical Songs, a privilege of our Catholic School Education.  Students are also given the opportunity to cantor during special occasions such as Catholic Schools Week and Graduation.  The entire school community prepares selections to be performed at the OLPH School Christmas Program as well. 

Mrs. Mary Kramp provides music instruction based standards detailed in the National Standards for Music Education for students from Pre-K through eighth grades.  

Pre-K students enjoy music instruction every other week while the remaining grades receive music instruction once a week.

1^st Grade
First grade students learn concepts such as rhythm, pitch, dynamics and listening through singing, playing instruments, dance and games, drums, xylophones and Boomwhackers, as well as technology, are incorporated into lesson time.  It is the goal of first grade students to understand rhythm, high/low sounds, fast/slow movement and able to coordinate hand movement and music simultaneously.

2^nd Grade
Concepts learned from the previous year are reinforced in second grade.  Beginning notation (names and values), and rhythm patterns are also taught through the use of instruments.  It is the goal of second grade students  to identify the difference between line/space notes, able to remember names of the notes on the staff and knowing note values.

3^rd Grade
In grade three, instrument families are explored and discussed.  Students are introduced to recorders and learn to play this instrument using illustrated songbooks, technology, synthesizer and CDs.  It is the goal of third grade students to play the recorder and remember the first six notes learned, as well as experience the feeling of an orchestra setting while working as a team.  

4^th and 5^th Grade
Intermediate grade students learn about rounds, Oostinato patterns and meter.  Composer instruction is taught through videos, worksheets and activities.  Instruments are often utilized to reinforce class lessons and the hand bells are introduced.  It is the goal of intermediate students to participate in and have a better understanding of a "round".   

Middle School
Middle school Students sing Liturgical Music  as well as new material in preparation in Thursday Liturgies.  Harmony is introduced.  By now, students should enjoy the ability to read simple music and apply this to various rhythm instruments by means of a conductor.   Composers are explored and discussed in class through means of lecture, worksheet, video and piano.  Students are given the opportunity to play the Hand Chimes.  An understanding and ability to apply harmony as well as the ability to identify and read simple music while following directions and cues from a conductor is the goal of middle school students.