A
look at music & Theatre
CHRISTINE
TRCKA, General Music teacher, MA
Welcome to music! Music at Divine Mercy Catholic School
enhances the individual student's education both artistically and
spiritually. My philosophy of music instruction is to give students a
chance to learn, participate, and get involved in music. I received my
teaching license in 2000 and also carry a Master's in education.
DMCS Music:
 |
Emphasizes music used in liturgy |
|
Features two concerts each year |
|
Uses the "Theory Time" program for
teaching students theory in 1st and 2nd grade as well as the Solfegge
method for this same grade level |
|
Recorders are learned in 3rd
grade and played by students through 4th grade |
|
Offers students the opportunity
to perform with the DMCS Celebration Choir at special events and
Masses |
|
Integrates drama into concert
performances |
|
Provides piano instruction to
students in 6th grade |
|
Evaluates students by both the teacher and
through self-evaluation |
Philosophy of Music
Music
enriches the students’ education at
Divine
Mercy
Catholic
School. It contributes to the student’s total growth, development, and
well-being. The combination of intellect, artistry, and the development of
liturgical understanding distinguishes music at DMCS.
The music
program at DMCS provides students with knowledge, technique, and
opportunities for musical expression. Music develops confidence in public
performances, understanding of music, enjoyment of music in our society,
and our understanding of faith. Using music in liturgy gives
students an opportunity to express their beliefs through music.
Teacher:
Christine
Trcka is a licensed teacher and has been at DMCS since 2005. She obtained her Master's degree from
Mankato State University. Outside of school, she directs a Contemporary
Church Choir and is involved in many other musical activities.
BAND & STRING INSTRUMENTS
String - Students may take string
instrument lessons at our school during the day. A private
instructor comes to school weekly for lessons with the students.
Throughout the year, they perform at community events, the State Capitol
and Mall of America. All string students are taught in the Suzuki
method.
Band - DMCS students are invited to
participate in the band program coordinated with Bethlehem Academy in 5th
grade. Students receive private and group instruction and perform annual
concerts.
theater
Every other year, DMCS participates in Prairie
Fire Theater. This professional theater experience brings actor trainers
into our school for one week of acting classes where at the end of the
classes, students perform in a live production.
Beyond this theater experience, students
participate in skits within their classrooms. In third grade students
perform a short play, in fourth grade, students create a play based around
our solar system, and additional grades create performances around subject
matter. Student Council representatives also write and create short skits
for performance at all-school events.
