Music

Cardinal Newman currently offers three different music classes.

Guitar Class

Guitar Class is a full year long class that meets the California State Arts requirements (VPA). Guitar Class at Cardinal Newman is for students at various levels from beginning to advanced. It covers both acoustic and electric guitar and provides the essential tools and vocabulary used in Rock, Jazz, Folk, Country and Classical music. The students perform solo and in small ensembles. The more experienced players are able to also perform in the large Guitar Orchestra reading standard music notation. The Guitar Orchestra performs arrangements of Classical and Popular music.

Modern Band

Modern Band is a  year-long class that meets the California State Arts requirements (VPA). This class is open to experienced instrumentalists and vocalists that are ready to perform in a band. The group rehearses and performs music of all styles, Pop, Rock, Country, etc. There are several performance opportunities throughout the school year. In addition, topics essential to lifelong music involvement are covered, such as standard music notation, improvisation, ear training, vocal harmony, etc. The Cardinal Newman music room is lucky to be equipped with state-of-the-art instruments, an electronic synthesizer laboratory, and audio/recording equipment (full PA system, microphones, digital audio workstations).

Listen to the online album made by the Modern Band group!

Freshman Music

Freshman Music is offered to freshman students with little or no music experience. It allows them to explore listening and appreciation of popular music styles and examine how they link with more established forms of music. There is also lots of hands-on instruction on guitar, piano, drums, and modern digital synthesis and recording. The projects are fun and allow students to create with music and sound individually and in small groups.