The art of music at CCCS
Program Spotlight: The Young Choristers
Established in partnership with Christ Church Cathedral, the Young Chorister Program offers an immersive musical training experience for children from Grade 3 to Grade 8. This auditioned ensemble is the only school-based, co-educational Cathedral choral program of its kind in Canada, providing a unique opportunity for children to participate in the centuries-old tradition of Cathedral choral music.
The Choristers train in a highly supportive environment that fosters teamwork, excellence, and the joy of music-making. Each Chorister receives a bursary toward their school fees and subsidized tuition in piano and musicianship. As part of the semi-professional Cathedral Choir, the Young Choristers also sing in services at the Cathedral, perform with world-class musicians in special concerts, and have the opportunity to tour internationally. On their most recent tour to the UK, the Choristers completed a residency at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Edinburgh, and sang at Westminster Abbey, London, and St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.
The Young Chorister Program is made possible through the dedicated commitment of parents, the Cathedral and School, and the generous support of friends in the wider community, including the Victoria Foundation, the St. Cecilia Fund, and the Anglican Foundation of Canada.
Could your child be a Cathedral Chorister? Prior experience is not required; we are simply looking for musical potential. For more information or to explore the program further, please contact Mr. Donald Hunt, Director of Music at Christ Church Cathedral.
You can find out more about the Young Chorister program here; and about Christ Church Cathedral’s vibrant music program here.
Music
Our Music program is a vital part of a Cathedral School education, offering students a rich and varied musical experience. From Kindergarten through the intermediate years, children participate in weekly choir sessions, nurturing their love for singing.
As students advance through the intermediate years, they begin learning string instruments, choosing either the violin or cello. This introduction to instrumental music in grades four and five also opens the door for them to join our esteemed String Ensemble, where they can refine their skills and collaborate with fellow musicians.
In the middle years, students are presented with an exciting range of musical opportunities. All are encouraged to join the CCCS Band, where they can develop their abilities as instrumentalists. For those passionate about jazz, the CCCS Jazz Band offers a vibrant and dynamic platform to showcase their talent. Additionally, students in grades four to eight can participate in the Senior Choir, which performs an eclectic repertoire of songs. With such a wide variety of musical options, students are free to explore their interests and express their unique artistic voices.
At Cathedral School, we believe that a strong Music program not only develops musical skills but also teaches discipline, teamwork, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts. Through the transformative power of music, our students embark on a journey that fosters creativity, self-expression, and a deep sense of community.
The focuses of our amazing and diverse music program are:
Strings | Ukulele | Middle School Concert Band Program
Find out more about each below.
Strings
The Grades 4-5 Strings Program at CCCS offers students the opportunity to learn violin or cello while performing in a supportive ensemble setting. Beginning in Grade 4, students are introduced to the fundamentals of string instruments, including music reading, technique, and ensemble performance.
By Grade 5, they are working on increasingly challenging pieces, building a strong foundation in both individual and group musicianship.
Students are also encouraged to participate in the CCCS String Ensemble, which rehearses twice a week. Open to students from Grades 4 through 8, the ensemble provides a collaborative space for musical growth, focusing on essential skills such as dynamics, tuning, and expression, while exploring a diverse and engaging repertoire.
Under the direction of cellist Kathy Stacey, a graduate of the Royal College of Music in London, UK, who also composes and arranges much of the music, students have multiple performance opportunities throughout the year. These performances help students build confidence and demonstrate their progress. Through dedication and teamwork, the Strings Program nurtures a lifelong love of music in an inspiring and enriching environment.
At Cathedral School, our Grade 2 and 3 students are discovering the joy of music through the ukulele. Under the guidance of our talented music teacher, they’re learning to strum and sing while exploring a wide variety of songs from different genres and eras.
This hands-on experience goes beyond playing; it introduces them to essential music theory concepts like melody, rhythm, and harmony in a fun and engaging way. The simplicity of the ukulele allows students to collaborate effortlessly, creating a classroom environment full of excitement and creativity.
Visit Cathedral School and hear our young musicians in action—where learning the ukulele is just the beginning of a lifelong love of music.
Ukulele
The Grade 6-8 Concert band program at CCCS provides an exciting opportunity for students to learn an instrument and play music alongside their peers in a large ensemble. Starting in Grade 6, the students choose instruments and begin working together as a group on the fundamentals of music and the basics of their new instruments. By Grade 8, the students will be performing challenging music, exploring pieces from cultures throughout the world as well as landmark pieces from the jazz and classical traditions and more familiar movie and pop/rock music themes. The Concert Bands rehearse two times each week, developing music reading skills, melodic and rhythmic conceptions, dynamics, tuning and other important music fundamentals in the context of the pieces they are working on.
Students also have the chance to join the CCCS Jazz Ensemble, meeting once a week outside of school hours to learn the art of improvisation in the context of the jazz tradition from one of Canada’s top jazz musicians. The Concert and Jazz bands perform at public events throughout the year to help foster the important link between community and music. Led by Juno-nominated saxophonist Ryan Oliver, the bands focus on teamwork, dedication, perseverance, and, most importantly, fun through music!