Lower School
Music is a natural part of the curriculum in Kindergarten through Grade 4, and students learn the fundamentals and history of music in music class and chorus. The goal of the music program is to assist students in discovering their personal talents and nurturing that talent in and out of school. Students at the Lower School become comfortable expressing themselves to an audience through many opportunities annually, whether performing in a musical, a concert, or a play. A Talent Celebration each year provides an extra-curricular venue for students to share their musical and vocal gifts.
Every year, Kindergarteners present the Christmas pageant “B is for Bethlehem.” Music, music history, and chorus are part of the curriculum for Grades 1 through 4. Students in Grades 5 and 6 may choose from a variety of art electives including Beginning Band, Concert Band, String Ensemble, Guitar, Handbells*, Celebrate! (the 5th and 6th grade choir), Characters (the 5th and 6th grade drama group), Set Design, and Art Exploratory.
Upper School
Many students during their time at the Upper School exceed their fine arts requirement by enrolling in several of the year-long electives. A wide array of electives includes the Symphonic Band, Jazz and Pep Band, Guitar class, Flute Choir, and Middle and High School Drama classes. Upper School girls also have the opportunity to participate in Covenant Singers, a vocal ensemble that performs throughout the community and travels internationally. At the Pageant of Peace in Washington, D.C., the Covenant Singers have been invited to sing prior to the Christmas tree lighting in front of the White House. They also perform at a variety of regional venues, including nursing homes, the Downtown Mall in Charlottesville, and Washington Wizards game. The Singers have toured in Paris, France; performed in Charlottesville’s sister city, Poggio a Ciano, Italy; celebrated Thanksgiving in Austria; and won a silver medal in the International Music Festival, Verona, Italy.
Extra-curricular opportunities are also popular with Upper School students. Each year a musical production combines music and drama, with after-school practices in preparation for the big show. Covenant students compete and place in the District XIII Choral and Instrumental competition each year. In addition, some Covenant students are chosen at the annual Rising Star Banquet to receive awards in recognition of their talent and commitment to music.