In the Lower School Music program, students sing, chant, and play drums and xylophones. Students develop musical concepts by listening to a variety of musical works. This development allows them to strengthen their knowledge of form, melodic passages, harmony, and expression, while gaining knowledge of different genres and periods of music. Students in fourth grade learn to play the recorder and strengthen their notation and reading skills. 

As a collaborative endeavor—with opportunities to step into the spotlight— middle school chorus encourages students away from anonymity and toward full participation.

Harding’s chorus singers become ambassadors for the school, performing in school plays, at assemblies, and concerts for the Harding community. 

Singing everything from musical theater numbers to pop songs from various eras, our middle-school singers learn to connect period music with history and culture, and they learn what makes a great song.

Like chorus, band fosters a participatory spirit, and students experience a true sense of community immersed in the beauty and transcendence of music.

Starting in fifth grade, every Harding student selects an instrument to learn and joins the school band. They meet twice a week, working through music method books and perfecting concert pieces ranging from classical compositions to popular movie themes.

The Harding Middle School band performs through the year at pep rallies, assemblies, and winter and spring concerts.

In addition to the curricular band class, students with high interest in their instrument have the opportunity to form rock bands with other school musicians and the band teacher. These student rock bands have produced legendary performances of classic and modern tunes for school assemblies, Spring Arts Day, and Field Day.