The music program at RCDS is a multifaceted program that aims toward a complete musical education for every student. Music in the Children’s School follows a program developed by legendary music educator Karl Orff. The Orff Schulwerk focuses on body movement, rhythm, pentatonic and rhythmic instruments, singing, and recorder. All students perform at least twice a year in the winter and spring concerts.

From fourth grade through ninth, all students participate in the school band program. Each student plays a band instrument and rehearses twice a week in one of four bands, which are arranged by ability and experience. Band students also may continue past the ninth grade requirement in the school’s Honor Band, focusing on jazz style and improvisation. Each band performs twice a year. Students with prior orchestra experience can play in the strings ensemble instead of band. Student singers may also audition for the Upper School chorus which meets once a week and performs twice a year.

Students interested in rock music have two options at RCDS. Friday Band is an after school activity that meets every Friday where students write and rehearse original works for the Blue Light Café performances which happen twice a year. Students can also study songwriting to learn how to write their own songs and lyrics. Songwriting is a graded class and is offered from Middle School to Upper School students.