Middle school choir students using online programs to enhance their learning and ability to praise God

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As CAJ choir director Scott Ponzani wraps up his 26-year tenure this spring, he's leaving behind more than just memories—he is bringing exciting new changes to the middle school choir curriculum that will impact students for years to come.

Last fall, Mr. Ponzani introduced two online platforms—Breezin’ Thru Theory and Sight Reading Factory—to his middle schoolers, aiming to help strengthen their foundational music skills.

Breezin’ Thru Theory offers lessons in music reading and theory, followed by interactive drills to reinforce the learning. Meanwhile, Sight Reading Factory produces original excerpts of music and challenges students to sing the music without hearing it ahead of time. Mr. Ponzani evaluates students using a mastery-based approach, allowing them to redo assignments until they achieve full understanding.

“Most middle school students are beginning musicians,” Mr. Ponzani said. “Increasing their theory knowledge and sight-reading skills makes them better musicians and thus raises the level and quality of the entire choir.”

The results have been clear: Mr. Ponzani said he can use class time more efficiently now that students are more quickly recognizing notes, rhythms, and other aspects of music theory in their pieces.

And his students agree:

Maggie (7th grade) said the programs have greatly improved her note-reading skills, enabling her to successfully and quickly read the music.

Ellen (8th grade) added that she has gotten better in understanding the relationship between notes and picked up other important music theory techniques.

While musicianship is a key focus, CAJ’s choir program emphasizes a deeper goal: using music to glorify God. The department incorporates the acronym MUSIC into its curriculum, which stands for:

Magnify the Lord
Use music to communicate
Serve God and others
Imitate Christ through creativity
Creatively proclaim God

Mr. Ponzani said that students’ ability to comprehend the music quickly allows the class to “move on to the beauty-making” of interpreting the music and delivering the message of the piece.

That message-centered focus has especially resonated with students.

“I always thought of music as something to enjoy, but using music to communicate gives it more meaning,” said Tessa, an 8th grader.

As CAJ continues its mission to equip students to serve Japan and the world for Christ, these new tools are doing more than building skill—they’re helping students connect music with purpose.

Ellen reflected on this connection:
“I think it is beautiful how God created music to be able to build community. In concerts, we can deliver the message of God to the audience and tell the story of each of the music pieces. I believe that music is a language that can communicate with others and is something we can all hear to learn about God’s love and beauty.”