Our Summer Music Camp is designed for Grades K-5 with no musical experience required. We offer rotational segments on piano, recorder, violin and voice. Last year we introduced the Ukulele to grades 3-5. It was a great success! 

We teach basic music fundamentals, such as rhythm, note reading, terminology, movement and ear training, focusing on fun with friends who like music as much as we do. Our teachers are positive, encouraging and warm, allowing each student to learn individually and in a group setting. Summer Music Camp is open to all elementary children and is held the last week in June. 

Tuition: $425 per student which includes a t-shirt, snacks, lunch on the last day and a performance for families and friends. Visit ssmo.org/vc-summer-music-camp to learn more and register today. 

Recitals

Recitals will be May 16 and 17. Please inquire with your Instructor to confirm your time.

Young Artist Recital

The Young Artist Recital will be Saturday, May 31 at 2 p.m. in the high school auditorium. Mark your calendars for an afternoon of music by selected students from each Instructor. A reception will follow in the High School Cafeteria.

Instructor of the Month 

Collin Heade

As an Oregonian, Collin Heade has enjoyed teaching cello and performing for many years. He has performed as principal with the Oregon Chamber Players and the Oregon Arts Orchestra, with whom he has performed much of Europe during three tours. He is also a member of the Oregon Chamber Players Quartet, performing with flute, oboe and viola. As a conductor he is celebrating his 11th season as artistic director and conductor of the Westside Community and Youth Orchestra in Hillsboro; and his 10th season as conductor of the Junior Symphony of Vancouver, WA. Collin has earnestly taken up composing, which he thoroughly enjoys, and has written several pieces with diverse instrumentation. He has been selected as a finalist in three categories for The American Prize, which celebrates American excellence in the performing arts. These fields include orchestral programming, an orchestral/choral composition titled “An Abandoned Lighthouse,” and an orchestral composition for his three movement work “Expressions” for string orchestra. During these last few years, in striving to maintain a connection with orchestral members and students, Collin has written an assortment of theoretical Letters to the Orchestra. These were sent out to members during the pandemic, in an attempt to simplify an assortment of music theory related topics in a fun and easy to understand array of musical examples. For the teacher/conductor there is nothing finer than witnessing the maturing growth within a student and musician through their instrument. Sending them on their path to further focus and goals inspires the teacher, too. 

Testimonials

We would love to hear about your experience with your Instructor and the Music School. 

We appreciate any feedback you can provide and willingness to share on our website. Please visit ssmo.org/vcs/schools/music and fill out the testimonial form at the bottom of the page. We appreciate your thoughtful consideration. 

Private Lessons

If you are interested in registering for lessons any time during the school year, contact the Music School first to assure there is space and an agreed upon schedule before registering.

Summer Lessons

Summer lessons will be held Monday, June 16 to Friday, Aug. 29. Although summer lessons are not required, we strongly encourage continuing lessons through the summer. We do take into consideration that families will have vacations, camps and varying schedules. Please work with your instructor directly for scheduling. Registration is required for summer lessons with a 4 lesson minimum requirement at the time of registration. Families will be billed in September for the number of lessons that were taken over the minimum required. There is no additional registration fee at the time of registration unless you are a newly enrolled student.

New Students 

Summer is a great time to start a new instrument. Especially if your child is moving up to 6th grade and wants to participate in band, orchestra or choir. Check in with the VC Music School office if you would like more information.

If you are interested in registering for lessons any time during the school year, contact the music department first to assure there is space and an agreed upon schedule before registering.

From all of us at Valley Catholic Music School,
Beckie Hocker,
Director of Music