Google Classroom Code: jppexj5
(text that code to 81010 if you don't have the app)
2023/2024 Concert Dates
Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Band, 11th & 12th Grade Treble Choir: December 14 & June 6
Concert Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Concert Band: January 11 & May 20
Prism Concert: Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Bands: February 1
String Extravaganza: April 17; Band Bonanza: April 18
SHS Guitar Concert: May 13
Chamber Orchestra, Jazz Bands, Select Choir: June 10
All concerts begin at 7:30 pm in the SHS Auditorium. Students arrive by 6:30 pm.
Concert Attire Requirements:
Options for your TOP: White Dress Shirt with Tie; White Blouse
Options for your BOTTOM: Black Pants; Black long skirt
DRESS Options: Black knee-length concert dress with short or long sleeves
Shoes: Black dress shoes (no sneakers or flip flops)
Optional Black dress/sport jacket, or sweater
The Symphonic Band is the 11th through 12th grade band that performs NYSSMA levels 4 through 6 repertoire at three concerts each year.
Students enrolled in Concert & Symphonic Bands also have the opportunity to audition for and perform in the following select ensembles:
Suffern Marching Band, Flute Choir, Clarinet Choir, Saxophone Ensemble, Brass Choir, Percussion Ensemble, Suffern Big Band & Jazz Band, Spring Musical Pit Orchestra, Varsity Choir, Select Choir, Music Honor Society
About the Director:
This is Mr. Schwartz's 27th year of teaching, and his eighteenth at Suffern High School. He started his career in the East Ramapo School District teaching band at Ramapo High School and Chestnut Ridge Middle School. He has a Bachelor of Music from SUNY Fredonia School of Music, a Master of Arts in Teaching from CUNY Lehman College and has taken many masters and doctoral level courses at Columbia University Teachers College. Additionally, Mr. Schwartz earned a Masters Degree in Studio Production from Berklee College of Music. He exposes interested students to the world of Music Production through the recording of concerts and many NYSSMA and college auditions, as well as some non-school "garage bands."
Mr. Schwartz is the Director of the Suffern Marching Band. The marching band's members are students from Suffern High School and Suffern Middle School. The band performs at Varsity Football Games, many parades and competes in the NYSFBC competitive circuit. Previously, the band won the USBands 2015 Empire Cup, and previously won the 2013 Group 4a & 2007 Group 2a NYS Championships. In 2014 and 2015, the band marched in the NYC Columbus Day Parade. In 2017, the band marched in Walt Disney World for the fifth time in fourteen years.
Mr. Schwartz is the Director of the Suffern Big Band and Suffern Brass Choir. The Big Band performs in two in-school concerts, and occasionally performs outside of school in the local community. The Brass Choir is most active in the month of December. The group performs holiday music at various venues around Rockland County.
Mr. Schwartz is the Director of the Suffern High School Spring Musical and Suffern High School Fall Play.