School Mass Choir and Choral Opportunities
The School Mass Choir program at Saint Catherine Labouré has grown into a vibrant, structured, and meaningful musical experience for students in grades 3–8. Rooted in both musical excellence and liturgical leadership, the program provides students with consistent opportunities to develop their voices, build confidence, and actively participate in the spiritual life of the school.
Choir is open to all interested students in grades 3–8. While no prior experience is required, members are expected to demonstrate commitment by attending rehearsals regularly and being prepared to participate in scheduled liturgies and events. This consistency allows the ensemble to grow musically and ensures a high-quality, collaborative experience for all students.
The Elementary Choir is organized into two rotating sections (L classes: 3L, 4L, 5L and C classes: 3C, 4C, 5C). These groups alternate weekly in leading music for school Mass throughout the year. Students rehearse during class time, on Friday mornings before Mass, and occasionally during recess as needed to prepare for liturgical celebrations and special events. In addition to weekly Mass, elementary choir members contribute music for events such as the Grandparents Rosary, Stations of the Cross, and other school-wide prayer services.
The Middle Choir (grades 6–8) participates in a more advanced choral experience, continuing to rotate leadership of weekly Mass while further developing musical independence and ensemble skills. These students also have the opportunity to serve as cantors, leading the congregation in song during Mass. Cantoring is a leadership role that requires strong musical ability, confidence, and preparation, and provides students with a meaningful opportunity to grow as both musicians and leaders within the school community.
Participation in choir is highly encouraged for students interested in the school musical. The skills developed in choir, including vocal technique, music reading, performance confidence, and ensemble awareness, directly support success on stage. The choir and musical programs are designed to complement one another, offering students a well-rounded and enriching performing arts experience.
Choir members across all grade levels perform at a variety of school and community events, fostering a strong sense of pride, collaboration, and joy in music-making. At the beginning of each school year, families receive a SignUpGenius to register interested students, followed by an informational meeting outlining expectations and opportunities for the year.
For more information about the School Mass Choir program, please contact Mrs. Fiore at kfiore@sclhbg.org
General Music Program (Grades K–8)
The General Music program at Saint Catherine Labouré provides all students in Kindergarten through 8th grade with a well-rounded and engaging musical experience. All students receive regular, ongoing music instruction as part of the core curriculum. Through a variety of activities including singing, listening, movement, and creative exploration, students build foundational musical skills while developing confidence, collaboration, and an appreciation for music.
Instruction is designed to be developmentally appropriate at each grade level, allowing students to grow musically over time while being exposed to a wide range of styles, concepts, and experiences. Students are encouraged to actively participate, think creatively, and engage with music in meaningful and age-appropriate ways.
Performance is an important part of the music program. Students in Kindergarten through 8th grade participate in the annual Christmas Pageant in December, and students in grades K–5 perform in the Spring Concert, typically held in April or May. These performances provide opportunities for students to showcase their learning, build confidence, and experience the joy of performing together as a community.
The General Music program also supports and connects to additional performing opportunities within the school, including choir and the school musical. Students who choose to participate in these programs benefit from the foundational skills developed in general music classes.
Through consistent exposure to music and performance opportunities, the program aims to create a positive and enriching environment where all students can grow, participate, and develop a lifelong appreciation for music.
For more information about the General Music program, please contact Mrs. Fiore atkfiore@sclhbg.org
School Musical
- Typically held in April or May.
- Open to students in grades 6-8.
- Auditions are in December and rehearsals begin in January.
- 7th and 8th graders can also be a part of stage crew.
This year’s musical will be Descendants, Jr.!
Instrumental Program
Through cooperation with Bishop McDevitt High School and Saint Catherine Laboure, students in fourth through eighth grade have the opportunity to join the instrumental program and explore the joys of playing a band instrument. Students will develop the skills needed to perform each instrument with proper technique, read notated music, and perform in an ensemble. Being a service offered by Bishop McDevitt High School, yearly tuition to participate in the instrumental program is required.
The SCLS instrumental program is separated into three groups:
4th Grade Band – Performs “beginner” level music with a focus on proper tone production and beginning ensemble skills.
5th/6th Grade Band – Performs grade .5 and grade 1 level music building on the musical and ensemble skills learned in previous years.
7th/8th Grade Band – Performs grade 1, grade 1.5, and grade 2 level music developing higher-level musicianship skills and preparing the students to be successful musicians in high school.
Middle School Band Day – Each year Bishop McDevitt hosts Middle School Band Day. Students in 6th through 8th grade from all the partner schools spend the day at Bishop McDevitt for a day of instrumental music in a festival setting for all students. Typically the students will prepare five or six songs through small group practice and full ensemble rehearsal to perform at a concert that evening.
Extra Instrumental Opportunities
McDevitt Middle School Jazz Band – Combined with students from other partner schools, students in 6th through 8th grade who are interested in jazz and pop-oriented music can participate in this traditional jazz band setting. Middle School Jazz typically practices once a week after school at Bishop McDevitt. Mr. Miscannon is in charge of Middle School Jazz and can be reached at nmiscannon@bishopmcdevitt.org
McDevitt Crusader Marching Band – Students in 7th and 8th grade are invited to join the high school students in the Crusader Marching Band. The marching band can be seen at all McDevitt football games, Tournament of Bands competitions, and local parades. The marching band season begins during the summer and continues throughout the football season with sparse events throughout the year.