St. Ignatius of Loyola Celebrates the Launch of the Enriched Music Program
At St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic School, an exciting new chapter in the school’s musical journey has begun! Under the leadership of Jan Chapman, the Enriched Music Program has officially launched, offering seventh and eighth-grade students an incredible opportunity to explore and develop their musical talents.
When Jan Chapman joined St. Ignatius of Loyola CS seven years ago, found a class set of guitars and ukuleles, waiting to be brought to life. As a musician herself, Jan saw a tremendous opportunity to foster a love of music among students. She worked diligently over the years to create a music program that offered a variety of instruments, sparking the interest of many students. Now, the Enriched Music Program represents the next exciting step, giving students the chance to learn new instruments and truly hone their musical skills.
“We are thrilled to begin this journey with 19 passionate students who are excited to dive into the world of music,” Chapman shared during the program’s kick-off week. “With our new instruments—trumpets, trombones, alto saxophones, and even a drum kit—each student will have the opportunity to take their instrument home to practice, and we’ll meet every Wednesday to grow, learn, and make beautiful music together.
The Enriched Music Program is designed not only to teach students how to play brass and woodwind instruments but also to help them develop important life skills, such as responsibility, discipline, and collaboration.
Students are encouraged to practice at home and take pride in caring for their instruments. The program is structured to meet once a week, allowing students the time and space to focus on their music while also staying on top of their other academic commitments. Students are also encouraged to take ownership of their learning by transporting their instruments to and from school. This fosters a sense of accountability and ownership over their musical journey.
As Chapman explains, “Music allows students to explore their passions in a way that academics sometimes don’t. It’s a chance for them to take responsibility for their learning and bond with others over something they love.”
As the program continues, it’s clear that the students are not just learning how to play instruments—they’re building lasting friendships, developing teamwork, and learning to support one another in both music and schoolwork.
“This is just the beginning,” said Chapman. “We’re creating a space where students can discover their unique voices, grow their confidence, and develop a lifelong love of music.” With the success of the inaugural 10-week course, the future of the Enriched Music Program looks bright. The school has also begun small group instruction for guitar and vocal training at differing levels.