Purpose: We are convinced that God has created humankind in His own image, giving us the ability to percieve, reflect, imagine, communicate, and create using the images and ideas of our environment and community. As such, participation in these activities demonstrates dependance upon our Creator and His gifts. It is hoped that the study and experience of music at ECA will challenge students to be selective and wise in their choices of art and to effectively communicate through music the true joys and sorrows of life and the hope we have in Jesus.
Because music is essentially a means of communicating, it is the goal of ECA to teach, train, and
encourage guided expression through music. This expression is focused in two directions: first, in how
we relate to God through music in worship, and second, in how we express who we are and what we believe
to others. To this end music must be carefully selected and incorporated into the life of the school
using each of the following values.
- Educational Value. Music is needed which progressively builds on the concepts of
musical theory and application, and challenges each student in his understanding of music and in precise
and expressive performance. ECA believes that music is for everyone and every student should have the same
opportunities to learn and develop his musical abilities.
- Cultural or Historical Value. Music is needed which builds an understanding of cultural
heritage with its ideas, values, and experiences. As a school which serves the evangelical mission
community in Spain, ECA believes that it is responsible for teaching native cultural heritage in music
as well the cultural heritage of the adopted country in order to come to a better understanding and
appreciation of both.
- Social Value. Music is needed which helps to create unity within the school body.
This provides opportunities to build responsibility in individuals involved in group and solo performance,
and, at times, gives students opportunities to share their faith with the surrounding community. Music is
a tool for communicating across language, social, or cultural barriers and ECA believes that music should
be used to its capacity in this regard.
- Physical Value. Music is needed which aids in teaching the student to use the body
correctly in musical production, with balance and control, so that the sound is clear, full, supported,
and pleasing to the ear.
- Spiritual Value. Finally, music is needed which encourages the individual to express his
dependence upon his Creator. ECA believes music is an important activity of worship which
incorporates these outcomes: proclaiming the person and work of God (Ps. 8:1), setting our hearts and
minds on things above (Col. 3:1-2), teaching and admonishing one another (Col. 3:16), silencing the
enemy of our souls (Ps. 8:2), and giving thanks to God in everything (Col. 3:17).
Each of the above criteria is not a means of judging music to be good or bad, but rather a means of
determining its value in building character in each student, aiding them in their personal walk with God,
and in equipping them for a life of service. To this end, the ECA music program includes several facets.
- A general music program for elementary students -- to expose them to a wide variety of styles
and to teach the elements of music through listening, reading, writing, performing, and creating music.
- A program of private music instruction -- to facilitate excellence in communicating and expressing
oneself to others musically.
- A choir program, which is required for all Middle School students and is optional for High School
students -- to continue the process of group learning in the elements and cultural aspects of music
and to provide opportunities for the presentation of high quality music.
- A band program, which is available to those with one or more years of private music instruction
-- to facilitate the study and performance of instrumental music and build responsibility in individuals
for the success of the group.
- Performances on a regular basis for each group of learners -- which may include any or all of the
following functions: to provide a goal towards which we work, to build unity in the community of students
and their families, to provide an opportunity to reflect on what God has done and is doing, or to
communicate who God is and who we are in Him to a world which needs His love.
