Music & Choir

Holy Name of Jesus Middle School Choir

Holy Name of Jesus School features a vibrant middle school choir for students in grades 5, 6, and 7, offering a rich musical experience. The choir's mission is to instill musicianship, compassion, and integrity by immersing students in liturgical works, sacred music, and a diverse range of high-quality literature. Through their participation, students develop proper vocal technique, sight-reading skills, and an appreciation for choral music. Students work with professional pianists and master local musicians, further enhancing their musical education. Our choir performs weekly at the children’s mass at Holy Name of Jesus Church, with additional opportunities for performances, recordings, competitions, and educational field trips. Collaborations with Loyola University further enrich the experience. Students are given many solo opportunities. The choir truly cultivates a love for music while building lifelong skills in teamwork and personal growth.

Through the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), our 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th grade students are offered the option to audition for All-State Honor Choir, and District Honor Choir. Accepted students study under a nationally recognized conductor, composer, and choral director culminating in a concert with over 200 students from across the state of Louisiana.

Private Music Instruction through our After School Later Gators Program

Holy Name of Jesus School offers private 1:1 music lessons through the Later Gators after-school program. Our talented and caring staff of music instructors give expert-level instruction allowing students to progress at their own pace and achieve more than in a group setting. Piano lessons are available for students ages 5 and up, guitar lessons for ages 6 and up, and voice lessons for students ages 9 and up. At the end of the year, students showcase their progress in a Spring concert, where they can proudly display their newfound skills.

Collaboration with Loyola University

Our students collaborate directly with Loyola University professors and talented music majors. Students are actively involved in jazz and classical rehearsals, performances, and masterclasses working side-by-side with experienced college students and professors. Middle schoolers get to feel the energy and spontaneity of improvisation, working with collegiate music majors who bring a wealth of experience in playing by ear and exploring different jazz styles. 

The beauty of this collaboration is that the students aren’t just participating in “classroom learning”—they’re living and breathing music with people who are passionate and dedicated to their craft. The rehearsals turn into a symbiotic exchange of ideas, where our young students grow under the wings of college-level mentors, and both groups challenge each other to reach new heights in their musicianship. 

At Holy Name of Jesus School, we are committed to reaching deeply into the vibrant New Orleans music community to find the top local musicians who bring a wealth of experience and expertise in both classical and jazz music. We actively seek out highly accomplished musicians who have honed their craft in the heart of New Orleans' rich musical traditions. These exceptional artists come to our school not only to share their technical skills but also to inspire our students to think musically, encouraging them to explore their own creativity and passion for music.