Welcome to the State College Elementary Music Program!  

All students at the eight elementary schools receive General Music education in grades K through 5.  The course experiences are developed around these four units:  Knowing Myself as a Musician, Exploring the Musical World Through Time and Across Cultures, Music as Communication, and How Music is Constructed.   Students who are interested in performing music are provided with a sequential program of music courses in band, choir, and orchestra starting in Grades 4 and 5.  Students may enter the sequence at either grade.  All music courses are taught by Music certified teachers.

Register students for a band or orchestra instrument using this form.

Grades 4 and 5 band is intended for all students interested in playing brass wind, woodwind, or percussion instruments in an ensemble setting that meets during the school day.  In rehearsals, students work on concepts of orchestral ensemble performance while preparing for their concerts.  All band musicians are required to attend one 30-minute small group lesson each 5-day cycle and also a 50-minute ensemble rehearsal.  Lessons will begin in September.  Ensemble rehearsals will start at the end of November.  

Units:  Individual Technique,  Ensemble Technique,  Music Literacy,  Musicianship

Instrument Lessons:  One 30-minute lesson per 5-day cycle.  This lesson rotates throughout the class periods from week to week.

Students will need - instrument, book, and supplies.  

Lesson books used:  Essential Elements Books 1 and 2

Band ensemble:  Each elementary school has an elementary band for fourth and fifth grade students who are taking  instrument lessons in school.  Ensemble will begin at the start of the second trimester.   The band will present a concert in the spring.  

Partners in Music:   This special event is a collaboration between PSU School of Music and SCASD Elementary Band and Orchestra.  Fifth grade students and families have the option to participate in for early morning rehearsals on PSU campus and then present a concert at State High in mid-November.  

Instruments:   flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone, tuba, percussion

Teachers- email addresses:   Pat Feher -  pff13@scasd.org ,  Johanna Steinbacher - jls74@scasd.org , and Carolyn Triozzi - cag16@scasd.org. 

Grades 4 and 5 Choir is intended for all students who enjoy singing. Students are required to attend whole ensemble rehearsals and a culminating concert. Sectional rehearsals held during the general music class will include training in singing skills, reading music, and singing a wide variety of music. 

Units:  Individual Technique,  Ensemble Technique,  Music Literacy,  Musicianship

Choir Ensemble:   Each elementary school has an elementary choir for fourth and fifth grade students.  Ensemble will begin at the start of the second trimester.   The choir will present a concert in the spring.  

Teachers:  Jamie Hillard, Melanie Komlenic, Laura Mazer, Ivy McComsey, Amy Rebarchak, Corey Shawley, Kelly Sipes, Nancy Youmans

Grades 4 and 5 string orchestra is intended for all students interested in playing violin, viola, cello, or bass in an ensemble setting that meets during the school day.  In rehearsals, students work on concerpts of orchestral ensemble performance while preparing for their concerts.  All string players are required to attend one 30 minute small group lesson each 5-day cycle and also a 50-minute ensemble rehearsal.  Lessons will begin in September.  Ensemble rehearsals will start at the end of November.  

Units:  Individual Technique,  Ensemble Technique,  Music Literacy,  Musicianship

Instrument Lessons:  One 30-minute lesson per 5-day cycle.  This lesson rotates throughout the class periods from week to week.

Students will need - instrument, book, and supplies.  

Lesson books used:  SCASD Beginner Book 1  and Book 2 (supplied at school) and Essential Elements Book 1 

Orchestra ensemble:  Each elementary school has an elementary orchestra for fourth and fifth grade students who are taking  instrument lessons in school.  Ensemble will begin at the start of the second trimester.  

Partners in Music:  This special event is a collaboration between PSU School of Music and SCASD Elementary Band and Orchestra.  Fifth grade students and families have the option to participate in for early morning rehearsals on PSU campus and then present a concert at State High in mid-November.  

Instruments:   violin, viola, cello, double bass

Teachers:   Ivy McComsey - imm15@scasd.org , Corey Shawley - cas13@scasd.org ,  and Lisa Strayer - lms64@scasd.org. 

Students will learn about themselves as music makers (how to sing, move, play on instruments, listen, create, make connections). They will learn how to reflect and respond to the musical world around them. Students will explore and develop an understanding of music from various time periods and cultures. Students will explore music as a language and interpret intents and meanings. Students will learn about how music is organized and will learn how to read and use music notation/symbols.

Unit 1 Knowing Myself as a Musician   Students will learn about themselves as music makers. They will develop self-critical thinking skills as they learn how to reflect and respond to the musical world around them.

Unit 2 Exploring the Musical World Through Time and Across Cultures   Students will explore and develop an understanding of music from various time periods and cultures. 

Unit 3 Music as Communication   Students will explore music as a language and interpret intents and meanings.

Unit 4 How Music Is Constructed  Students will learn about the elements of music, music literacy, and music listening. Students will learn about how music is organized and will learn how to read and use music notation/symbols.

Teachers:  Jamie Hillard, Melanie Komlenic, Laura Mazer, Ivy McComsey, Amy Rebarchak,  Corey Shawley, Nancy Youmans

Musical Instrument Vendors:    **They also sell the required lesson books. 

J.R. Judd Violins

Specializes in   HIGH QUALITY AFFORDABLE  STUDENT STRING INSTRUMENTS - Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass

https://www.jrjuddviolins.com/

(570) 321-8070

1964 Lycoming Creek Rd - Williamsport, PA

R.M. Sides 

Band and String Instruments 

https://www.rmsides.com/

(814) 861-6882

434 W. Aaron Drive  - State College, PA

Homestead Strings

Violin, Viola, Cello

https://www.homesteadstrings.com/

(814)-201-7545

 301 Homestead Lane - Boalsburg, PA

Note:    Some instruments incur predictable, incidental costs such as reeds for clarinet and saxophone and rosin, oil for trumpets, and shoulder rests for violin and violas.  Always consult the instrumental teacher about best choices, not the music store or the internet.

A music stand.

Recommended for home practice.  Inexpensive, folding stands are most common.  Rental programs offer stands.  Let the teacher know if you need one.

Supplies for String instruments

String instrument rentals should include these items:

• Violins/Violas: Shoulder rest

• Cellos/Basses: Rockstop

• All strings: Rosin

Supplies for Band instruments

Clarinet and saxophone students will regularly need to purchase reeds.  This should always be done with the help of the teacher.

Financial Assistance

We deeply believe that every student deserves the opportunity to participate in the instrumental music program, regardless of his or her life circumstances.  Please reach out to your instrumental music teacher if you have any concerns about affordability of an instrument or supplies.  The school district has a limited supply of loaner instruments for students of need.

Instrument Choices - see  & hear

Band - flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone, and percussion.  Orchestra  - violin, viola, cello, and double bass/string bass.  You can find examples of each instrument on the Minnesota Orchestra website HERE.