By Cheryl Ward
Head of School
Calvary Schools of Holland
As we wrap up our school year, I want to walk out what undergirds four important areas of a Calvary education.
#1 – Intentionality in Science
#2 – Intentionality in Music
#3 – Intentionality in Athletics
#4 – Intentionality in Parenting
Read my introduction and part 1 on this topic on our blog here.
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This past week, our 8th–12th grade Cantate Deo choir earned the privilege of performing at the Michigan State Music Festival (MVSMA), where they were given the highest rating possible: Division 1 Excellent. This means that Calvary Schools is now recognized as one among the best choirs in Michigan. (And by the way, this is not just for “schools our size.” The festival is for every school, public AND private, of every size in the state.) Each Calvary choir student now holds a medal that signifies that each one is considered an exceptional singer by professionals in the music and choir industry. Furthermore, two of our soloists had the privilege of singing in the solo portion of the festival where they both performed excellently, receiving Division 1 and Division 2 designations. Therefore, our students are also among the top soloists in the state of Michigan. |
Listen In
You can listen to the recordings of their performances at the bottom of this note.
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But what does this mean for us? We are proud of our students and proud of their hard work, but none of us is doing it for the trophy. After all, “if you work hard and get the character and skills right,” you’ll win as often as you ought — a phrase often used in our athletics program but applied to any healthy competition in which we engage. These achievements are all the more meaningful because, unlike other choirs often performing at the festival, often with the oldest and most experienced singers, our choir is not an audition choir — it is comprised of every single developing student, regardless of age or experience. Our achievements at the festival are yet another piece of proof that regardless of natural ability, everyone can sing. Everyone can write, and work with their hands, and draw. That is to say, everyone can work hard, receive training, and be able to do well in a wide range of subjects. One of the things that makes our school unique in our area is that we believe it is important that they do so. |
But why? Why is Calvary’s music and choir program part of a valuable education?
If winning isn’t the point (although who wouldn’t want to be among the best choirs and singers in the state?), then what makes it such an important part of education?
First, music has cultural value.
People have been singing alone and together for millennia — in church, in heaven, on the bus, in the shower. Singing provides a unique bonding experience in that it involves communing with the Lord, enjoying His creation, and fellowshipping with friends and family. It’s an art, an expression of worship, and a means of creating beauty. All of these expressions are good and worthwhile.
Second, music has physical and mental value.
The neuroscience is clear — music impacts brain development in myriad ways.
- It stimulates specific cerebral circuits.
- It activates all areas of the brain.
- It improves cognitive function, especially language and literacy skills.
- It enhances memory and concentration.
- It improves mental health.
Furthermore, music goes deep into the brain long term; old songs and hymns can be recalled by those with severe cognitive decline.
It is important that we sing.
At Calvary Schools, we are as intentional in the area of music as we are about science and math and athletics and art and grammar … they all form the whole of a valuable Calvary education.
The investment is worth it.
Next week, I will be sharing how we have been strategically and intentionally developing our athletics program, as another example of the value of a Calvary education.
Click the buttons below to listen to our Cantate Deo Choir’s performances at the State MSVMA Festival on May 2, 2025.
Cheryl Ward is the Head of School & Executive Director at Calvary Schools of Holland. She has served the Calvary community since 2015, stepping into her current role in 2021. Cheryl’s passion is transforming educational settings through the underlying philosophy, relationships, structures, and processes that support them. She has a bachelor’s degree in education and a second degree in Biblical studies, as well as a master’s of education degree. She has been an advocate for Charlotte Mason education, and an Ambleside affiliate, since 2009.