Music gives expression to the creative nature of our many students and enriches the lives of their audiences.
Lower School
Music education begins in K4 and continues through 5th grade. Every student at the lower campus has the opportunity to perform, to create, and to listen to music with understanding and appreciation. This is gained through the sequenced development of concepts based on elements of music: rhythm, melody, harmony, timbre, form, expression, history and style, composition, and performance. Lower School children are active participants in the music-making process during their regularly scheduled music classes, and enjoy sharing what they’ve learned with performances at Grandparents Day and the St. Jude’s Christmas program, as well as the annual grade-level programs performed throughout the school year.
Middle/Upper School
Music continues on the Middle/Upper campus in a more self-directed fashion. Beginning in 6th grade, students may choose to participate in Band as an elective course and in Chorus as an extracurricular activity.
Band
The Band is a tight-knit group of students that draws from all grade levels in the campus. They learn music theory and the mastery of various instruments under the tutelage of band director, Mr. Scott Young. During the school year, the band performs at numerous athletic events, special school functions,and concerts. Band members typically attend district, region, and state honors bands, as well as band camps offered at universities such as Interlochen, Florida State University, and the University of West Georgia. Former DWS band members have continued to hone their musical talents with positions in national music conservatories and NCAA division 1 bands.
Chorus
Students in the 6th - 12th grades may participate in this extracurricular activity available during the first semester. This group typically meets twice a week after school under the guidance of Director Dianne Giddens. These vocalists perform at Grandparents’ Day, the school Christmas program, Rotary Club, and other invitational functions as screened by the Director.