Mrs. Lisa Holmes

Welcome to the Music Program at St. Perpetua School! 

“To sing is to pray twice.” - St. Augustine



My name is Lisa Holmes and this is my sixth year as the school music teacher.  Before coming to St. Perpetua, I taught music in the Lafayette public schools for 10 years. I have been a parishioner at St. Perpetua for 29 years.  I enjoy working with students of all ages and sharing my love of music with them. When I am not teaching music, I am the aide in the 5th-grade classroom and I enjoy Scottish Country Dancing.  You can reach me at [email protected]


Our music program provides an extensive and diverse curriculum. 

T-K and Kindergarten focus on beat/rhythm, high/low, fast/slow, movement, singing, and musical storytelling.

First Grade students build on these early skills.  They also begin to develop music reading and writing skills while they sing songs celebrating holidays throughout the year. 

Second Grade further develops their music reading and writing skills. Their focus is on music, dance, and culture from around the world in alignment with their heritage studies.

Third Grade students learn to play the recorder while learning how to work as an ensemble.  In addition, they learn about the four traditional instrument families and the instruments of the orchestra.

Fourth Grade works as a chorus learning music theory, vocal technique, ensemble singing, and part songs including California Gold Rush songs in alignment with their social studies.

Fifth Grade students continue to work as a chorus expanding their knowledge of music theory, vocal technique, ensemble singing, and singing in harmony. The focus of this year's songs is the American folk song tradition in alignment with their social studies.

Sixth Grade students study music history through the lives of the composers from Bach to The Beatles.  This class is lecture-based and includes taking notes and listening to many iconic classical works.

Seventh Grade students learn to play the ukulele while strengthening their knowledge of music notation and music theory.

Eighth Grade further develops their ukulele playing skills with a focus on strumming chords.  In addition, they study songwriting and craft their own original composition by the end of the year.
 

In an effort to encourage students and families to take advantage of our rich musical community, I have created a page of links to many of the organizations in the East Bay and San Francisco (see the "Links" pull-down menu). Please check it out if you are looking for a concert or show to enrich your child’s musical experience outside of the classroom. 



Why do we study music?

This question has many answers. In my opinion, the following article answers this question resolutely.

http://www.mountainheightsacademy.org/6-reasons-study-music/


“I know that the most joy in my life has come to me from my violin.” - A. Einstein


“Where words fail, music speaks.” - Hans Christian Andersen


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