Choir
The music program is well-known in our community. Elementary participates in music classes, which teach basic musical skills and knowledge, and culminate with two concerts per year-one during the Christmas season and one in the spring. Middle and High School students may choose to participate in choir. All High School students may join the Tour Choir and Handbell Choir. All upper-level choirs give several performances throughout the school year, and the Tour Choir’s year winds up with a several day tour throughout PA and to neighboring states such as OH, NY, DE, VA, WI, and IL.
Handbell Choir
This unique section of the music department is open to all High School students. The Handbell Choir travels with the Tour Choir and adds a special flavor to performances at JCS.
Ensembles
Several musical ensembles are formed throughout the year. Their ministry extends to many local churches and church-related functions. Past groups have included a jazz ensemble and a barbershop quartet.
Worship Team
Middle and High School students can participate in worship teams that share during weekly chapel and other school functions.
Instrumental
Beginning in grades three and four, students have instruction on the pre-band instrument, the Recorder, during general music classes. Then at the beginning of Fourth Grade, they have the opportunity to try out on the band instruments under the guidance of the Band Director. Parents are invited to attend these tryout sessions. The instruments used in the tryout sessions include the Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, and Percussion instruments. Students will take one private lesson a week with the Band Director. As progress is made, the students are grouped together into a Beginners Band which rehearses once a week. All instruction is held during the school day.
The students are presently divided into three separate bands. These include the Elementary Band, Middle School Band, and High School Band. Each group plays age-appropriate music and rehearses on a weekly basis. As concerts approach, extra rehearsals may be added, at no additional cost, to ensure a quality concert performance. The Band performs a Prelude before the annual JCS Christmas Concert. In the Spring, the Band performs an Instrumental Music Concert in conjunction with the Somerset County Community Band in a "side by side" format. The title of the annual program is "The JCS Band Fest". All Instrumental music students are included in this unique musical event! Band students also perform in the community as events occur. Students also participate in small ensembles and perform solos throughout the year for various events.
