Music

Find your musical brilliance as part of a close-knit, fun group of vocalists and instrumentalists who meet inside and outside the classroom to develop and share their musical talents.

Instrumental Music

Students interested in instrumental music can perform in a variety of ensembles that perform at school events, public events, College Jazz Festivals, State competitions and ratings events. All instrumentalist and levels are welcome.

Be part of a close-knit community of friends
Earn fine art & PE credit
Perform for and support the McNick community
Develop musical and leadership skills

Our instrumental music program is flexible, allowing students to participate in band while also pursuing other school related interests or for those students who are considering a career in music. The McNicholas Music program has produced many students who have or are currently teaching or performing professionally.

New Course Offering

New Course Offering

Audio Production Lab

Digital audio production gives us an opportunity to support students in active, culturally authentic music-making, regardless of their level of preexisting ability. In the era of digital audio production, meaningful musical creativity has never been more accessible. A student can learn to create good-sounding music with a computer in a matter of hours, rather than months or years. They will be able to create music electronically with software and then arrange it for instruments in a studio setting.

Program Highlights

Five Grand Champion Awards for Rocket Marching Band
Performed in eight states and Washington D.C.
Performed in the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade and D.C. Memorial Day Parade
2-time Overture Award Winner for percussion performance
Performed at the Miami, Marshall, Ohio University, University of Louisville, Morehead State, Cleveland State, Capital, and Northern Kentucky Jazz festivals
Performed at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Consistently receive Superior ratings at Ohio Music Education State Ratings Festival
Opportunities for students to participate in college and local honors groups
Tri-M National Music Honor Society
Music scholarships available

Three photos of band members playing their instruments

Vocal Music

McNicholas High School vocalists are encouraged to challenge themselves to grow in vocal technique in ensembles and as soloists, improve their music literacy skills, and sing music from around the world and from a wide variety of genres and time periods. Musicians are also highly encouraged to participate fully in the Music Ministry at McNick at Masses, prayer services, school functions, and charitable events as well as competitions like the Overture Awards and Solo and Ensemble, Honors Ensembles, and community music and theater programs.

From those who have never been in a choir before to those who have sung their entire lives, McNick students are encouraged to find their brilliance in choral ensembles!

Curricular Ensembles - Rocket Chorale is open to all students in grades 9-12 and sings student-selected music from a variety of genres, world cultures, and time periods.

Coming Soon: Our auditioned, honors-level choir class, Rockapella, will be open to strong singers in grades 10-12 looking to sing exciting repertoire and challenge themselves musically.

Extracurricular Ensembles - Liturgy Choir meets twice per month after school to plan, sing, and play music for our school Masses. This club is open to vocalists and instrumentalists in grades 9-12!

Personal Attention - Students involved in choral and musical theatre classes can schedule one-on-one meetings with the vocal music director during their lunch or study hall bells to learn new music and improve vocal technique.

Leadership and Recognition - Students in Vocal Music can become members of the national Tri-M Music Honor Society to perform, lead, and serve!

Follow Performing Arts classes and extracurriculars on Instagram @mcnick.performingarts

In This Section

Keith Nance

Teacher

A.A., Shawnee State University
B.A., Marshall University

School: 513-231-3500 x5156

The band is a tight group of brilliant students who always work hard and want to represent McNicholas well.

Mr. Keith Nance, Band Director

Lauren Bridges Loyer

Teacher

B.A., UC Conservatory of Music
M.A., Capital University

McNick choral students thrive as soloists, improve their music literacy skills, and sing fun, diverse music. Our vocal ensembles offer opportunities for all students to be successful and to make friends across grade levels.

Mrs. Lauren Loyer, Music Director