Music
Philosophy/Objectives
The Music Department at Oakland Catholic strives to provide a broad range of musical experiences, aimed at training young musicians to be capable of speaking the language of music, both here at Oakland Catholic, and in future musical endeavors. In choral classes, vocal technique, musicianship and artistic interpretation are stressed, with strong emphasis on the melding of individual contributions into a polished finished performance. In instrumental classes, private individual lessons are encouraged, with a professional teacher of each student’s particular instrument, so that technique, musicianship and interpretation may be equally developed.
Course Offerings
- Music Appreciation
- Freshman Chorale
- Concert Chorale Grades 10, 11, 12
- Chamber Singers (by audition/examination) Grades 1, 11, 12
- Wind Ensemble Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
- Music Theory
Instructor
Mrs. Ruth S. Gentile, BSME Duquesne University ‘76; MFA Carnegie Mellon University, ‘89. Mrs. Gentile has sung with the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh Professional Core, ACDA Women’s National Honor Choir, ACDA-PA Adult Honor Choir, Pittsburgh Diocesan Choir, Diocesan Schola, and in numerous other capacities. She is organist and choir director of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Finleyville, Pennsylvania. In addition to present responsibilities at Oakland Catholic, Mrs. Gentile serves as Coordinator for Music in the secondary schools of the Diocese of Pittsburgh.