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ST. IGNATIUS SCHOOL
  • ST. IGNATIUS SCHOOL
  • About Us
    • Who We Are
    • SLEs
    • Curriculum & Programs
    • Service Learning
    • Additional Offerings
    • Admissions
    • FAQs
    • Contact Us
  • Parent Info
    • Ignatian information
    • Student/Parent Handbook
    • Parent Association
    • 2024-25 Uniform
    • Events >
      • Turkey Bingo
    • SLEs
    • M.U.S.E. Band
  • Classrooms
    • Pre-K
    • Primary >
      • Kindergarten
      • First Grade
      • Second Grade
    • Intermediate >
      • Third Grade
      • Fourth Grade
      • Fifth Grade
    • Middle School >
      • Sixth Grade
      • Seventh Grade
      • Eighth Grade
    • Specialists >
      • Reading Specialist
      • Library
      • Music
      • PE/Health
      • Technology
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  • Alumni
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Mr. Joe MacKenzie
Music Teacher

Music

Since 1999, I have been dedicated to teaching music in Catholic schools, with a tenure at St. Ignatius since 2008. My passion lies in nurturing students' musical abilities through various activities, from directing choirs to teaching instruments and musical theory. Beyond the classroom, I am also involved in writing, recording, and performing rock and pop music, enriching my teaching with real-world musical experiences.

​Teaching Overview:
  • Pre-School (Classes meet twice a week for twenty minutes)
    • Students explore vocal techniques and basic movements in music.
    • Each session incorporates dance/movement activities.
    • Introduction to rhythm instruments as appropriate.
  • Kindergarten, First, Second, and Third Grades
    • Classes meet three times per week for thirty minutes.
    • Focus on singing, movement, and basic musical concepts.
    • Introduction to rhythm instruments to enhance understanding of beat and rhythm.
    • Learning liturgical songs for Mass and celebratory songs for special occasions.
  • Fourth and Fifth Grades
    • Classes meet two times per week for forty-five minutes.
    • General Music class emphasizes advanced musical concepts.
    • Practice in reading and writing music using practical examples.
    • Introduction to harmony singing and vocal techniques.
    • Recorder Class (Fourth Grade)
      • Weekly sessions focusing on progressing through the Recorder Karate program.
      • Opportunity to learn additional instruments through MUSE sessions.
    • Ukulele (Fifth Grade)
      • Introduction to reading notes and chords.
      • Exploration of melody, harmony, and accompaniment for singing.
    • Choir (Fourth and Fifth Grades)
      • Opportunity to participate in the school choir for interested students.
  • Middle School
    • Classes meet once a week for forty-five minutes.
    • Rotating focus on vocal performance, ukulele, drumming, and music technology.
    • Vocal Performance
      • Emphasis on breath control, posture, and tone production.
      • Collaborative learning of class and combined middle school songs.
    • Ukulele
      • Application of note and rhythm reading to chord progressions and melodies.
      • Small group work to prepare musical repertoire.
    • Music Technology
      • Utilization of GarageBand on iPads for recording projects.
      • Development of accompaniment and arrangement skills.
    • Drumming
      • Exploration of percussion ensemble pieces.
      • Focus on discipline, respect, unity through music, and body percussion rondos.
      • Opportunity for advanced students to learn drum set techniques.
  • Other Focus Areas
    • Musical Theatre, Reading and Writing Rhythms, Warm-ups and Breathing Exercises, Vocal Tone and Blend, Mass Music, Christmas Program, Drum Ensemble Performance and Composition, Arranging.
©2022. St. Ignatius Parish School. All rights reserved.

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ST. IGNATIUS SCHOOL
​3330 SE 43rd Ave
Portland Oregon 97206
Phone: 503-774-5533 

[email protected]

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  • ST. IGNATIUS SCHOOL
  • About Us
    • Who We Are
    • SLEs
    • Curriculum & Programs
    • Service Learning
    • Additional Offerings
    • Admissions
    • FAQs
    • Contact Us
  • Parent Info
    • Ignatian information
    • Student/Parent Handbook
    • Parent Association
    • 2024-25 Uniform
    • Events >
      • Turkey Bingo
    • SLEs
    • M.U.S.E. Band
  • Classrooms
    • Pre-K
    • Primary >
      • Kindergarten
      • First Grade
      • Second Grade
    • Intermediate >
      • Third Grade
      • Fourth Grade
      • Fifth Grade
    • Middle School >
      • Sixth Grade
      • Seventh Grade
      • Eighth Grade
    • Specialists >
      • Reading Specialist
      • Library
      • Music
      • PE/Health
      • Technology
      • Psychologist
  • Alumni
    • Welcome
    • School Foundation
  • Donate Now
  • School Foundation