What a Difference Ten Years Can Make! / VIP Day

Not all schools even have an orchestra program in their high school anymore, but Xavier Catholic Schools is blessed to have orchestra starting in fourth grade! The blossoming of Xavier’s strings program over the last ten years has been incredible.

Ten years ago the System orchestra teacher contracts combined to 100% (one teacher worked 60% time and the other worked 40%). The program has now grown to necessitate two full-time orchestra teachers.

Currently, Mrs. Melissa Gurholt teaches 4th, 5th, and 6th grades, all of which have seen average class size growth of over 200%! Melissa started in 2012 at 40% time and is now a full-time teacher who spends her day at three campuses. Mrs. Laura Kenney started in 2010 at 60% time and now teaches 7th-12th grades full-time, as those grades have averaged 250% growth!

Strings students meet two to five times per week (depending on the grade) and also have a weekly lesson. Beginning in 7th grade, students can also participate in chamber ensemble if they desire. Students at all levels showcase their talents at several concerts each school year. Many students also have the opportunity to participate in solo & ensemble competitions and senior recitals, learn from and play with guest artists, and participate in other orchestra opportunities.

Marquette Street hosted their annual VIP Day on January 29th. VIPs visited the campus, joining their student(s) for Mass, breakfast treats, classroom activities, and tours of the school. The students and their guests returned to church to end this special morning with the sharing of songs.