Introduction to Our Music Program
The Music Program at CCS has and always will be an important part of our private Christian school’s curriculum. It’s led by Mrs. Morgan, who has been teaching music here at Cornerstone Christian School in Harrisonburg Virginia for more than twenty five years and directing the annual Middle School Musicals for more than ten.
Every grade, from Pre-K to 8th takes part in our music program. 6th-8th grade performs a play in the fall and a full musical in the spring. Upper elementary stars in a Christmas musical, while lower elementary traditionally performs Christmas songs and a nativity scene.
Among the Christian schools in Virginia, CCS is unique in providing its middle school students the opportunity to participate in an annual middle school-only musical.
MUSIC CAN BE A HEART CRY TO OUR SAVIOR
As a faith based school, we integrate Biblical teachings all of our programs. Music runs throughout the Bible and is a beautiful element of worship. As we read through the Psalms we see how David worshipped God with his whole heart by writing songs and hymns to the Lord. Additionally, the Psalms end with celebration by encouraging people to praise God with cymbals, drums, horns and strings. Through our Christian elementary school and middle school Music Program, we help our students to become closer to God through their acts of musical expression.
PERFORMING ARTS BUILDS COGNITIVE, PHYSICAL AND SOCIAL STRENGTHS
Students are guided through acting, singing, dancing and worship as part of our comprehensive music program. We also biblically integrate each of our productions by having students write an essay on the correlation of their show character’s character with the character God desires us to have. The actions of singing and dancing build important skills, some of which may surprise you:
- SINGING
- Develops coordination, concentration and memory
- Trains the brain in language and reasoning
- Increases math and spatial scores
- Enhances creativity
- Improves communication and social interaction skills
- DANCING
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- Keeps the body and brain active, as well as boosts memory
- Improves strength and flexibility
- Improves posture and balance
- Reduces stress levels
- Reduces depression
- Provides insight into other cultures through dance styles
- Increases self esteem and confidence
COMMUNITY CONNECTION
As as a result of their participation in Cornerstone Christian School’s music program, our students grow in self-confidence and feel a greater sense of connection between the community and our school.
Our annual Middle School Musical has been consistently well received by the Harrisonburg VA community. The shows’ audiences are filled not just by family members of the students, but also a variety of people who connect to the school through church and who are alumni, as well as community members who just love music and theater. The shows are broadly publicized thanks to local news channels such as WHSV-TV who annually welcome our music program director to bring some of our annual Middle School Musical’s actors and actresses to the TV station for interviews.
A JOYFUL JOINT EFFORT
“For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith” – Romans 12:4-6
To bring our Annual Middle School Musical to life, everyone in the Cornerstone Christian School family plays a role. Mrs. King, our Receptionist and Administrative Assistant helps with tickets and the program. Mrs. Benavides, our Curriculum Coordinator and Spanish & Geography Teacher helps with ticket sales and details. Mrs. Slagell does choreography. Mrs. Morgan directs. The art teacher helps with scenery. Parents help build the set. Teachers help with ushering and greeting. Mrs. Andres helps with finances. The list goes on and on.
We hope to see you at future performances! To view this year’s calendar of musical and all other events at CCS, click here.
