MUSIC
Giving thanks to God for the gift of music, the Rockford Lutheran music department strives to create excellent music, develop musicianship, and educate the whole person so that students may honor God with their music.
Music Program Highlights:
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Instrumental instruction for 3rd-12th grade
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Elementary students receive instruction twice weekly
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Junior High and High School band and orchestra meet daily as part of class schedule
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Extracurricular activities including Jazz Band, High School Honors Orchestra, and Junior High String Ensemble
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Students have opportunities to participate in Solo and Ensemble, contests and festivals, District Honors Bands and Orchestras, Trills and Thrills competition trips to Great America, and more!
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Students regularly receive Superior and Excellent ratings
Elementary Band and Orchestra
Students may begin learning a band or orchestra instrument beginning in 3rd grade. Elementary band and orchestra students participate in weekly classes and group lessons designed to work specifically on technical and ensemble skills. Students learn to read music, play their instruments, and develop their musicality while playing in a large group setting. Band and orchestra students perform at the Christmas Concert and Spring Concert.
Junior High and High School Music
Orchestra, band and choir students continue their musical education with daily junior high and high school classes. Students continue to develop technique on their instruments, music reading ability, ensemble skills, and musicianship. Orchestra, band, and choir students have opportunities to perform at Solo & Ensemble as well as IHSA and IGSMA large-group contest. Students regularly perform around the community at area churches, nursing homes, schools, and take trips to compete at Six Flags- Great America.
Students may also elect to begin an instrument in Beginning Band or Beginning Orchestra while in junior high.
Additional opportunities
Junior high and high school students may also audition to perform with Junior High String Ensemble, High School Jazz Band, and High School Honors Choir, Band, or Orchestra. These ensembles perform at various school events and church services. Opportunities to perform with the pit orchestra for the high school musical may also be available. Tri-M Music Honor Society- The Tri-M® Music Honor Society is the national music honor society for high school students. It is designed to recognize students for their academic and musical achievements, reward them for their accomplishments and service activities, and inspire other students to excel at music and leadership. Music students at Rockford Lutheran may apply for membership in Tri-M beginning in 10th grade.
Honors and Recognitions
Band, orchestra, and choir regularly receive superior ratings at Solo & Ensemble, IHSA and IGSMA contests, and Six Flags competitions. The Rockford Lutheran orchestra received 1st place for IHSA Class C Solo and Ensemble in 2024. Students from the band, orchestra, and choir are regularly accepted into District and All-State Ensembles.