General Music
All students at SHCA receive a comprehensive general music education. Students meet twice a week to establish the basics of music, music history, and music theory. They learn to grow in their appreciation of music, and use the gift of music to strengthen their relationship with Almighty God.
Beginning Choir
All of our students in grades 4 and 5 are enrolled in one semester (18 weeks) of Beginning Choir. Beginning Choir establishes the fundamentals of healthy vocal singing, music reading, and teamwork. Our beginning choir sings approximately once a month at our Wednesday school Masses.
Schola Cantorum
The South Hills Catholic Academy Schola Cantorum is an elective course open to students in grades 6-8. The Schola Cantorums main purpose is to provide the music for our Friday school Masses. The Schola Cantorum prepares the ordinary and propers for the Mass each week, along with choral arrangements for the Liturgy from medieval to modern times. Students become well immersed in the musical patrimony of Mother Church through the understanding and singing of Gregorian Chant. This group travels locally, occasionally sings at Sunday Masses, and sang for Andrea Bocelli on his most recent tour to Pittsburgh.
Cantors
South Hills Catholic Academy is pleased to offer formal training to students in grades 6-8 who wish to cantor at our Monday and Wednesday school Masses. Students receive one on one instruction on vocal technique in preparation for these weekday school Masses. Those who wish to cantor must be members of the Schola Cantorum.
Orchestra
New this year! The SHCA Orchestra is open to all upper school students in grades 4-8 who wish to learn a string instrument. Current instruments offered include violin, viola, cello, and bass. Students are pulled from class once a week on a rotating basis for a small group lesson on their instrument. The orchestra plans to play their first concert Spring of 2023. Beginners to experienced string players are most welcome to join.
Band
SHCA offers band lessons after school during the week. Students are offered one on one tailored instruction for their instrument. Band lessons are open to students in grades 4-8. Students may take up any band instrument that they would like to learn. All skill levels are welcome.
Theater Arts
Every spring South Hills Catholic Academy presents a fully staged and produced musical. Students in grades 4-8 may audition in early spring. The spring musical affords our students an opportunity to learn about theater through acting, singing, dancing, set design, lighting design, sound design, costume design, production, and teamwork. We are blessed to have a beautiful and vibrant theater arts community!
Christmas Sing-A-Long
Every year, SHCA presents the annual Christmas Sing-Along, in which all of our students participate. Held in St. Winifred Church, all students sing hymns and carols that draw our minds and hearts to the mystery of the Incarnation. The evening's main event is the candlelight sing-along with our entire SHCA family, and a Christmas social immediately after the performance.
Summer Chant Camp
Students in grades 4-8 are welcome to participate in our Summer Chant Camp held every summer the week before school begins. Students are afforded the opportunity to learn about one another, grow as a team, and get a “jumpstart” on the music-filled year ahead. Chant Camp participants sing at our Back to School Mass to kick off the year.