Mater Dei joins St. Joachim School for a Musical Experience

Submitted by Cornelia Fuertes

Costa Mesa, May 21, 2009 – Last night St. Joachim School showcased its musical talents with its Spring Concert featuring its own youth orchestra and youth band. The evening ended with a guest performance by the Mater Dei Jazz Ensemble.

In a time where other schools have to cut back on music and the arts in general, St. Joachim is actually expanding its music education. A music outreach program that has been initiated by Mater Dei’s Music Academy director Fernando Martinez, offered instrumental classes only to the lower elementary grades so far. By next year already St. Joachim’s Junior High will also enjoy the program. Last night’s musical presentation was performed by 4th, 5th and 6th grades. Among the many pieces one could hear an adapted version of Beethoven’s ‘Ode to Joy’ as well as the band’s interpretation of the American folk song “Skip It, Lou.”

At St. Joachim one can not only learn how to play an instrument, no, one actually participates in orchestra and jazz band from the very beginning on. This makes all the difference. Not only is it more fun to play in an ensemble and not alone, but by participating in an orchestra or a band the children learn something much more important then only mastering an instrument. It is the experience of being an essential part of a greater entity and this is a big lesson on teamwork. “It’s just such an unbelievable enrichment,” one mother points out, “this program teaches the kids responsibility, to listen to each other and to be extremely attentive.”

St. Joachim values the arts. In fact St. Joachim’s principal Sister Kathleen Marie Pughe knows about the benefits children will have if music is an integral part of the school’s curriculum. Research shows that students who study music early in their development cite higher test scores and have fewer discipline problems. Besides, as Sister Kathleen Marie mentions, “The arts speak to the inner spirit of a person. Music touches one’s soul.”

The evening ended with an outstanding presentation of Mater Dei’s High School Jazz Ensemble that was rhythmically so infectious that it was hard to actually keep seated and not start out dancing right on the spot. It was definitely a grand finale and an inspiring moment for all the 4th, 5th and 6th grades aspiring future musicians.

A big round of applause goes to all the students as well as the dedicated St. Joachim and Mater Dei music teachers.

For more information on St. Joachim Catholic School on 1964 Orange Ave. in Costa Mesa, please log on to https://www.stjoachimparishschool.com/ or call (949) 574 7411 –