Music can be a historical artifact that represents sound, such as the great works of Beethoven, Handel or Mahler, or the recordings of Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, or Freddie Mercury. Music can also be an aesthetic experience, something that can be enjoyed on its own merits. Music can also be an induplicable experience, something that cannot be copied because it is never played in the same way with the same reasons and the same audience ever again, and therefore becomes a fond memory. In each of these cases, music is a noun. At Notre Dame Collegiate, music is a verb.
Therefore music education has as its most fundamental purpose the development of all students as lifelong musickers. Students engage in the activity of music-making, and learn through relevant contextualized musicking experiences to apply their musical abilities to their own identities and realities. In doing so students learn to love all of God's creation, regardless of background or experience, and interact with music to His glory. This is Music Education at Notre Dame Collegiate.
Music is a Fundamental Component of Community Building
Especially in the wake of a pandemic.
Now more than ever we need our individuals, our communities, and our greater society to be as prepared as possible for whatever comes next. This means being able to work together (collaborative ability), build together (constructivity), think of improved solutions to both new and old problems (creativity), be kind and considerate to one another (community-mindedness), and full explore the human condition to the betterment of oneself and all around them (complete human development).
