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​North Cross School provides a solid foundation in vocal music for students beginning in the Lower School. Early elementary students begin with two group music lessons per week and learn to sing a variety of simple songs alone and with a group. Students in first grade learn note reading and rhythm counting and perform in the holiday concert and "Welcome to Roanoke, Flat Stanley" Program. Second grade students gain exposure to musical cultures and perform in the holiday concert, and African Program. Students in third grade receive ukulele and recorder instruction. Fourth grade students can choose between beginning band and chorus instruction twice a week, which they'll continue in fifth grade three days per week.  Sixth grade students continue on in either Concert Band or Concert Choir four days per week. Beginning in the seventh grade, students choosing to continue in chorus can either stay in Concert Choir or join Show Choir. In Eighth grade, students continuing in chorus can either do so in Show Choir or join the Upper School in Chorale. Here, their skills as musicians develop further. As the students progress, they are exposed to more advanced music theory, and are given more performance and competition opportunities — not to mention more difficult musical arrangements

​Lower School Chorus
Fourth and Fifth Grade
  • Incorporates basic music theory, sight-singing skills, ear training, and proper vocal techniques
  • Two evening concerts each year

Concert Choir
Sixth and Seventh Grade
  • Incorporates basic music theory, sight-singing skills, ear training, and proper vocal techniques, continuing instruction from Lower School Chorus
  • Two evening concerts during the year
  • Students have the opportunity to audition for All-District Choir​

Show Choir
Seventh and Eighth Grade
  • Heavily focused on the incorporation of movement/choreography into vocal selections, incorporating acting and musical theatre skills into two evening concerts during the year. 
  • Continued learning of intermediate music theory, sight-singing skills, ear training, and vocal technique.
  • Two evening concerts during the year and the opportunity to audition for All-District Choir.

Chorale
Eighth through Twelfth Grade
  • Advanced class that combines students from multiple grades in preparation for two evening concerts, district auditions, and local festivals
  • Focus on more advanced music theory, sight-singing skills, ear training, and vocal techniques
  • Strong emphasis on singing in harmony and learning music quickly, thoroughly, and accurately
  • Two evening concerts during the year and the opportunity to audition for All-District Choir.
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​Thomas Costello
Fine Arts Department Chair, Musical Theatre and Choral Director
​South Carolina School of the Arts at Anderson University—B.F.A.
Appointed 2022
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Richard Rudolph
Lower School Music
East Tennessee State University—B.S.
​Appointed 2007
Choir Room, Slack Hall