MUSIC STUDY AT CHRIST THE KING CLASSICAL SCHOOL
“Singing is for the one who loves.” (St. Augustine, Sermo 336) 
“I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” (1 Corinthians 14:15) 

Music classes at Christ the King Classical School are modeled after the great Catholic tradition of the Schola Cantorum that is as old as the system of Western education itself. This “school of singing” prepares children for music ministry and life-long praise of God, and allows children to experience the joy of music in the tradition of the Roman Catholic Church. Created in the image of God, all children have the potential to discover their God-given voices, leading to a life of experiencing beauty.

All students enrolled in the school receive regular musical training as part of the curriculum. Numerous recent studies have shown the beneficial effect that music study has on students’ general academic achievement. In classical education, music is included with arithmetic, geometry, and astronomy as a mathematical art that leads to contemplation of the divine.
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​Having emerged in European monasteries, choirs as we know them owe their very existence to the Roman Catholic Church. The Second Vatican Council affirmed the important role of choirs in the Mass, and encouraged the sustenance and development of “schools of singing.” Every child has the potential to use his God-given voice to the best of his ability. In addition, through the rehearsal and performance process, students grow more confident in their abilities, in their academic work, and in their social interactions, becoming well-formed and responsible adults who contribute to society. A parent who actively supports and encourages a child’s development through music study is practicing good stewardship of the child’s developing spirit and soul, gifts from God that must be nurtured, cared for, and cultivated. 
In addition to the general music training for all students, students in Grades 5-8 who desire to further their commitment and love through a regular ensemble with a higher expectation, may enroll in the choir class. This choir is the premier ensemble of Christ the King Parish and School, and is primarily responsible for singing for the “school” Masses at Christ the King Church. This choir sings music from the great heritage of Roman Catholic music, as well as modern compositions of high quality. Unfortunately, due to the necessary precautions in place during the pandemic, choirs are unable to sing for Mass until further notice. However, we will continue to rehearse (outside!), working on building our vocal technique and reading skills, so that when we are again able to sing for Mass, we will be thoroughly prepared to do our best. In the meantime, we hope to share video and audio recordings of our efforts, so that the community may witness the great work that the children do. 

MEET THE DIRECTOR
Dr. Douglas O’Neill is Director of Formation in Sacred Music and Liturgy at Christ the King School and Parish. He is a skilled and dedicated choral director, and is committed to the crucial need to educate our children. An accomplished keyboard player as well, he has received numerous accolades, including First Prize at the Dublin International Organ Competition. His experience includes working at the Cathedral of the Madeleine and Madeleine Choir School in Salt Lake City, the only full-time co-educational Catholic choir school in North America.

VIDE UT QUOD ORE CANTAS CORDE CREDAS
ET QUOD CORDE CREDIS OPERIBUS COMPROBES
See that what you sing with your lips you may believe in your heart, 
and that what you believe in your heart you may show forth in your works.
Blessing of Cantors, from the 10th Canon of the Council of Carthage, c. 398 A.D.