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Music [at] RCS

Music Opportunities for All Ages and Skill Levels

Renton Christian School provides music opportunities for all of its students, including Kindergarten and pre-kindergarten who receive general music instruction.

Choir is part of general music instruction for grades 5 and 6.

The RCS Music Program puts on two major concerts during the school year in addition to other music events. Concert participation is part of the students' grades.

1st - 3rd Grade

First through third graders will learn basic music concepts through movement activities and music games. They will also learn about the instruments of the orchestra and the classical time periods. 

4th Grade

Fourth graders will learn to read and write musical notation by playing the recorder. Students are motivated to practice their recorders at home using the Recorder Karate curriculum. Through this curriculum, students earn beads after mastering the song associated with the bead. The highest bead that can be earned is black. Recorders are provided by the school. However, investing in one that your child is excited about will improve their practicing and motivation.


5th - 6th Grade

Fifth and sixth graders will have the option of pursuing band or general music. Fifth graders may choose a band instrument that they will commit to for the year. Sixth graders may choose band if they have already had one year of instruction on their instrument. Students choosing not to participate in band will receive general music instruction including movement activities, musical appreciation, and Orff instruments.

Fifth-Sixth Grade Band & Strings 

Students entering fifth grade through sixth grade will have the opportunity to choose a band or strings instrument and to be involved in a fifth-grade band or strings ensemble. Students need to commit to one year on the instrument and do not need any prior musical experience. They will also be encouraged to pursue private lessons on a weekly basis to strengthen their skill on their instrument through one-on-one instruction. The students that do not choose an instrument will go into choir. 


Middle School Band & Strings

Students entering seventh through eighth grades will have the opportunity to choose a band or strings instrument and to be involved in middle school band. Students need to commit to one year on the instrument and are required to have at least one year of prior experience on the instrument. They will also be encouraged to pursue private lessons on a weekly basis to strengthen their skill on their instrument through one-on-one instruction. These ensembles take place during the elective period(s) throughout the week. 

Private lessons

Students are encouraged to pursue private instruction on their instrument on a one-on-one basis. The individualized instruction will help in a variety of areas including his/her ability to read musical notation, hear pitches and recognize them, and strengthen their embouchure and physical endurance while playing the instrument. Many music stores have information on private instructors.

Practice records

Part of the student's grade in band is calculated on their time spent practicing at home. Students will receive information on practicing at home during the first week of band instruction. The recommended practice time is thirty minutes five days a week or 150 total minutes per a week.

Instrument Rentals

Instrument rentals are recommended for beginning band students. Allowing a student to experience an instrument for one year before purchasing it is highly recommended. Below you will find the local vendor Renton Christian uses to rent out instruments to students:

Music and Arts Renton