I am Mrs. Monica DeGraffenreid (Mrs. D), and this will be my tenth year teaching at St. Elizabeth's, and my 15th year with the diocese. My husband and I have four children… a senior at Bishop Carroll, a sophomore at Eisenhower HS, and our two youngest are SEAS students. I enjoy hiking, reading, cooking, and spending time with my family. Working with the Liturgy is my favorite part about teaching music in a Catholic school. We have so much fun in the music room, and I am excited to share my love of music and liturgy with all of our students! Special thanks to the Knights of Columbus and the American Red Cross for their generous donation last spring, we are excited to have many new instruments in our music room this year!! Below, please find a bit more information about music class, plus our 2025-2026 program dates. Please reach out to me via email if you have any questions or concerns.

SCHEDULE: 

• Kindergarten thru 5th grade “B” classes attend music for 30 minutes on Mondays and Wednesdays, “A” classes attend on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Fridays alternate between music and PE.
• All Day and PM PreK have me come to their room for 20 minutes of music on Wednesdays and Fridays.
• Middle School Choir meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays during activity period
• Upper Schola (group of 7th-8th graders selected last spring) meets on Wednesdays during activity period and Fridays *that we sing Mass* before school at 7:30
• Lower Schola (open to any 5th-6th grader) meets *only* the weeks that we sing Mass, on Thursdays and Fridays before school at 7:30.

INSTRUCTION:  In a typical K-5th week, we spend M/W, T/Th learning and practicing a musical concept. On Fridays we folk dance or study a composer. Liturgical (Mass) preparation is woven into our opening prayer time and musical instruction.

GRADING: Music grading rubric for 3rd-5th can be found HERE. K-2 have a quarterly standards-based grade for music skills and participation/conduct. Behavior issues will be communicated via music rule cards. Please sign and return.

LITURGY: Our Upper and Lower Scholas (which together make up our Combined Schola) help lead music at our Friday school liturgies. Quarter 1 schedule and more info HERE. Interested fourth graders will have opportunities to assist musically at Masses later in the year.

SEAS STARS: We have a "SEAS Stars" board in the music room to recognize the musical accomplishments of our students. If you have a picture of your child doing a music activity (piano or dance recital, choir, musical, music lessons, etc.), please send it!

MUSIC NEWS: I will update this website at the beginning of each month with what we are learning, and program info, so please check back. It is going to be a great year!

PROGRAMS: Music program participation is required. All music programs are held in Mother Seton Hall. Family and friends are invited! More info will be sent out via paper note and email to individual classes as programs near. Music program dates for this year are:

Kindergarten:
Thursday, April 30, 2026 at 12:45 p.m.

1st grade:
Thursday, April 30, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.

2nd grade:
Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.

3rd grade:
Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 7:15 p.m.

4th grade:
Thursday, November 13, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.

5th grade:
Thursday, November 13, 2025 at 7:15 p.m.

Middle School Choir:

• Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. (see below for concert dress requirements)
• Monday, January 26, 2026 Diocesan Choral Clinic at Bishop Carroll Catholic High School (time and details TBA)
• Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. 

CONCERT DRESS REQUIREMENTS for MIDDLE SCHOOL CHOIR

LADIES: black skirt (knee length or longer recommended) or dress pants (no leggings) with a dressy black top, or an all black dress. Sleeveless is not recommended. No jeans or t-shirts. Black dress shoes (keep heel height to a minimum).

In keeping with dress dress requirements for eighth grade promotion, dresses and skirts that are high above the knee, have a low neckline, strapless/spaghetti straps, and/or have a low/no back are not appropriate dress. Shawls are not to be considered as a cover-up. 

GENTLEMEN: black dress pants with belt and white dress shirt (subtle tie optional). Black socks and dress shoes, preferably black. No jeans, t-shirts, or tennis shoes.