Music

An essential aspect of the arts, music is studied at every grade level, beginning with preschool. Students learn the fundamentals of singing and rhythm before progressing into music history and composition. Whether vocally or instrumentally, a variety of opportunities and options exist for all students.

Early Childhood

Preschool and kindergarten students are introduced to many aspects of music through singing, creative movement, listening and playing rhythm instruments. Group interaction, cooperation and self-expression are emphasized and students perform frequently throughout the year during various assemblies. Starting in kindergarten, students also have the option to study violin or cello from a Suzuki teacher.

Lower School

Students are introduced to and build upon basic music concepts, including rhythm, tonal and melodic literacies. As students progress through lower school, they study various genres, terminology and music in different cultures. Students learn the proper use of classroom instruments and learn to play the glockenspiel, jSax, and ukulele. Skills are showcased during the winter program and the final assembly in the spring.

Middle School

Starting in middle school, students have the option to focus on specific aspects of music through chorus, band, strings and general music. A combination of these courses can be taken and skills are strengthened with each subsequent year. Students can also join jazz band as an additional activity. Students perform at various concerts and assemblies with options to also compete through the Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA).

Meet Our Faculty

Tamara Stojanovic Albahari
String Ensembles (Kindergarten - 8th Grade)

Master of Music, Chamber Music emphasis, San Francisco State University

B.M. in Violin Performance, State Conservatory of Music ‘Luigi Cherubini’, Florence, Italy

B.A. in Foreign Languages and Literatures, University of Florence, Italy

In addition to running her thriving private studio, Tamara serves as an adjunct assistant professor of violin at the University of Notre Dame, a Fischoff Chamber Academy coach, and a sectional coach for the South Bend Youth Symphony Orchestra. Tamara plays professionally in the South Bend Symphony Orchestra and LaPorte County Symphony Orchestra, where she is the concertmaster. She is also a member of the baroque ensemble Fleur de Lys and participates in music ministry at St. Pius X Church.

James Hornor
Band (4th - 8th Grade)
General Music (4th - 8th Grade)

B.M. in Vocal Performance, Illinois Wesleyan University
Master's work, Bowling Green University

Mr. Hornor enjoys vocal and soccer coaching, serving as a section leader in his local church choir with his wife, McKayela Hornor, and managing a fireworks store during the summer season.

McKayela Hornor
General Music (PS- 3rd Grade)
Chorus (5th - 8th Grade)

Bachelor of Music, Saint Mary’s College
Master of Music, Bowling Green State University

Mrs. Hornor won the John and Candace Butler Lifetime Dedication to the Arts Award in 2015 alongside her husband, James Hornor, and has directed a variety of local high school musicals and taught collegiate voice majors. Currently, she enjoys singing in her church choir and sharing her garden expertise.

Tiger Talk Blog

3rd grade student playing the glockenspiel

More Than Singing – The Value of Playing Instruments in Lower School

McKayela Hornor, Music Teacher, Grades 1-3 and Chorus Teacher, Grades 4-8

Introducing lower school students to musical instruments can be extremely beneficial socially, emotionally and intellectually. Find out how.