The Ward Method

Immaculata is pleased to be one of a few Catholic schools in the nation to have re-introduced the dynamic and effective Ward Method for music instruction which was widely popular in Catholic schools during the early and mid nineteenth century.
 
The Ward Method of Music Instruction is a progressive method of teaching elementary school children–through vocal instruction–music theory, composition and conducting. The Method was developed to teach American Catholic school children the fundamentals of music so that they would be able to sing the vast repertoire of sacred music which is a part of the Roman Catholic Church’s tradition. The Ward Method is unique in that it has a basis in Gregorian chant. "The Church acknowledges Gregorian chant as specially suited to the Roman liturgy: therefore, other things being equal, it should be given pride of place in liturgical services” (Pope Paul VI, Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, December 4, 1963). Given our deep desire to transmit to our students the whole of the Catholic Tradition, from faith to language to music, the Ward Method fits perfectly with our mission. 
 
While our Music Program spans from Preschool through Twelfth Grade, our Ward program begins in Kindergarten and ends in Eighth Grade. In those grades, we cover Ward 1, Ward 2 and most of Ward 3. When students reach high school, they enter the Magnificat Choir and continue to build on the strong foundations that were laid for them by receiving nine years of the Ward Method. Students in high school continue to study and sing Gregorian Chant along with regular polyphonic hymns and even some Byzantine Chant. In addition to singing and expanding their choral repertoire, high school students also have an opportunity to receive Music Theory instruction and Music Appreciation. 

Music is at the core of what we do and who we are at Immaculata. Book III of Plato’s Republic says it best: “Musical training is a more potent instrument than any other, because rhythm and harmony find their way into the inward places of the soul, on which they mightily fasten, imparting grace, and making the soul of him who is rightly educated graceful.”

For more information, visit http://musicasacra.com/ward-method-instruction/