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.
Can I take Band, Choir, AND Orchestra?
Yes! It is possible for students to participate in band, choir, and orchestra in ALL grades. Students can take one, two, or all of the grade-level music ensemble courses. These groups meet during the school day.
May I take band, choir, or orchestra in fifth grade, even if I didn't in fourth grade?
Yes! You may start in fifth grade.
Where do I get my instrument?
Local vendors - see below. SC Music Boosters Used Instrument Sale - see below. Need assistance? Please talk with your teacher.
Do instrumental lessons cost money?
Instrumental lessons are free However, students will be responsible for acquiring an instrument and materials. There is information below. If money is a concern, we will help. Please email your instrumental teacher with questions.
When are lessons given?
Lessons take place during the school day as a pull-out lesson. Lessons are 30 minutes once per 5-day cycle. Lesson times rotate so that students do not miss the same subject each week.
Is there a time commitment outside of school?
Yes. Instrumental students are expected to practice. There is a concert as well.
Are there any performances?
Yes!! Students perform at a Spring Concert in the evening. Students in band, choir, and orchestra will perform at the Spring Concert. The directors will provide you with the details. The dates can also be found on the State College Area School District Music Education webpage.
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.
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
Violin, Viola, Cello
https://www.homesteadstrings.com/
(814)-201-7545
301 Homestead Lane - Boalsburg, PA
Recommended for home practice. Inexpensive, folding stands are most common. Rental programs offer stands. Let the teacher know if you need one.
String instrument rentals should include these items:
Violins/Violas: Shoulder rest
Cellos/Basses: Rockstop
All strings: Rosin
Clarinet and saxophone students will regularly need to purchase reeds. This should always be done with the help of the teacher.
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.
New England Board of Education
National Association for Music Education
"Children who study music tend to have larger vocabularies and more advanced reading skills than their peers who do not participate in music lessons (Arete Music Academy. "Statistical benefits of music in education." Arete Music Academy. Accessed July 17, 2014).
Being a part of a music ensemble works on leadership teamwork skills and also encourages students to develop relationships with a diverse group of students (Classic FM, 2018).
"With encouragement from teachers and parents, students playing a musical instrument can build pride and confidence. Musical education is also likely to develop better communication for students" (NafME, 2014). Students are given a sense of achievement through performance and learning to play songs (Classic FM, 2018).
Students who study music can be more emotionally developed, with empathy towards other cultures. They also tend to have higher self esteem and are better at coping with anxiety (NafME, 2014). Music can also help to relieve stress and has been proven to lower heart rate and blood pressure (Classic FM, 2018).