I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being.
- Psalm 104:33
Students at Central Christian School will explore music and find the deeper meaning of singing and performance as an outlet for worship and self-expression.
Starting in Kindergarten, all students begin general music class with an emphasis on singing, and then continue with chorale instruction through middle school and the first semester of their freshman year. After that, students can elect to continue with choir, and over 75% of our high school students do just that! Humans are wired for rhythmic togetherness; from choral singers, musicians, dancers, to rowers, the science is coming in that we bond best when we are making music with each other.
Elementary Vocal
Elementary Students at Central Christian learn to use their voices to praise the Lord, while experiencing the sense of Christian community that choral singing brings. A variety of sacred and folk songs are used to teach music literacy through the Kodaly Method of teaching general music. Students are also taught to play a variety of instruments, such as xylophones, drums and other rhythm instruments. Fourth grade students also learn to play recorders. Music classes meet twice a week and perform a Christmas Musical and Spring Concert each year.
Middle School Choir
All students in middle school (5th-8th grade) participate in choir 2-3 times per week. Building on the strong choral foundations from elementary music, students at this age begin developing part independence as they are introduced to more layers of harmonies. Elements of music; such as rhythm, scale and chord theory, and music terminology round out this experience. Songs are presented in public concerts, one each semester.
Chorale
The Central Christian Chorale consists of Freshmen and Sophomores. Chorale meets 2-3 times weekly and performs at our three public concerts. As vocal ranges expand at this age, solid 4-part singing can be expected and healthy strong singing habits are encouraged and formed during this stage. This is mandatory for Freshmen for the first semester.
Concert Choir
Central’s Concert Choir is our large performing ensemble. Covering the best of choral literature from the Renaissance through current composers provides a rich experience that combines so many elements of the human and Christian experience; history, theology, languages, emotional expression, and nurturing personal confidence and growth through public performances. Musical literacy, vocal independence, production and expression are cornerstones of singing at this age. Concert Choir is elective first semester and by audition for the spring semester. Participating in our Mennonite Schools Network choir festival with nationally recognized directors is a highlight of the spring semester, as well as church concerts in our vicinity. (View the 2025 MSN Choir Festival hosted by CCS here.)
Varsity Singers
Varsity Singers is our vocal chamber ensemble of 16 singers. They provide music for many area churches and retirement centers, and special events like banquets, the annual Singing Valentines and the Christmas Madrigal Feast. Varsity Singers is an auditioned ensemble.
Singing Comets!
The Singing Comets! is Central's boys' ensemble. It is a non-auditioned choir of boys from grades 8-12. They meet on Thursday mornings for the second semester. Teaming up with area men's ensemble Sonnenberg Station is usually an annual event. Having fathers and grandparents join for one song at the spring concert has become a special tradition.
Jubilance
Jubilance is our non-auditioned girls choir. Girls from grades 8-12 may join this choir that meets one morning per week during the first semester. Inspired by the Singing Comets! tradition, Jubilance mothers and grandmothers are invited to rehearse and sing with them at a concert, representing a choir of over 60.
