Jackson Day student playing trombone on the athletic field

ARTS & ELECTIVES

MUSIC

Music at Jackson Day School gives students opportunities to develop their talents, perform with others, build confidence, and experience the sense of belonging that comes from creating music together.

Through Elementary Music, Band, Show Choir, Orchestra, and Digital Music Creation, students can explore different forms of musical expression while developing performance skills, musicianship, creativity, collaboration, and leadership.

PLAY · SING · CREATE · PERFORM · BELONG

← Arts & Electives

Elementary Music | K–5

Discover the Joy of Music.

Elementary Music introduces students to the foundations of music through engaging, age-appropriate experiences. Students develop musical understanding, confidence, and an appreciation for music while building skills that prepare them for future opportunities in the JDS music program.

SINGMOVECREATEEXPLOREBELONG

Band

Play Together. Grow Together.Grades 6–12

Students develop instrumental technique, music literacy and theory, ensemble performance, and creative skills through active rehearsal and performance.

Show Choir

Find Your Voice.Grades 6–12

Students develop vocal technique, musicianship, ensemble skills, stage presence, and performance confidence while becoming part of a close-knit musical community.

Orchestra

Create Music Together.Grades 6–12

JDS Orchestra provides students with opportunities to develop musicianship, ensemble skills, and performance experience through instrumental music.

Performance Opportunities

Take the Stage. Music Is Meant to Be Shared.

Holiday Concerts
Spring Concerts
Veterans Day Program
Black History Month Program
Broadway & Valentine’s Dinner Theater
Local Holiday Parades (Mt. Holly & Belmont)
Busch Gardens & Carowinds Competitions
All-State and Honors Auditions
Music in the Parks
Graduation Performances

Jackson Day School music class rehearsing with their teacher on the football field

What Happens in Band?

Build Skills. Build Musicians.

Warm-ups & Technique
Develop instrumental fundamentals through consistent practice.
Ensemble Rehearsal
Learn how individual musicians contribute to the sound of the entire group.
Sectionals
Work in smaller groups to refine technique and challenging music.
Sight-Reading
Develop the ability to interpret and perform unfamiliar music.
Individual & Small-Group Work
Strengthen individual musicianship and performance skills.

More Than a Class.

Achievement Through Music.

Band
3 Trophies

Music in the Parks Competition

Show Choir
First Place Trophy

Music in the Parks Competition

Students are also recognized individually through end-of-year awards and celebrations.

Music Opens Doors

From JDS to What’s Next.

Honors Opportunities
College Auditions & Scholarships
Advanced Performance
Music Careers

Fine Arts With Big Hearts

Music in Service to Others.

Through Fine Arts With Big Hearts, students use their talents and our fine arts community to help others. The program began as a Christmas project collecting money and gifts for a family in need.

Using Our Talents to Make a Difference.

Student Leadership

Lead the Ensemble.

Student Band Leaders
Section Leaders
Student Performers Mentoring Younger Musicians

Music gives students opportunities to model preparation, responsibility, teamwork, and commitment.

Meet Our Music Teachers

Passionate Educators. Lifelong Impact.

K–5

Lucy Shue

Elementary Music
Grades K–5

Mrs. Shue introduces students to the joy of music through engaging, age-appropriate learning experiences.

6–12th

Timothy Ottinger “Mr. O”

Band & Show Choir
Grades 6–12

Mr. O leads students through energetic rehearsals, performances, competitions, festivals, and musical experiences designed to build confidence and community.

6–12th

Jada Tate

Orchestra
Grades 6–12

Mrs. Tate leads the JDS Orchestra program, helping students develop musicianship, ensemble skills, performance technique, and confidence through collaborative instrumental music.