About the Directors

Nicole Polinger, M Ed.- 

Mrs Polinger is in her 18th year of teaching Music at OTS.  Mrs. Polinger teaches General Music Grades 6-8, OTS Chorus, and the OTS String Ensemble. Mrs. Polinger holds a degree in Music from William Paterson University where she studied both Violin and Voice.  Mrs. Polinger has performed with the Harmonium Choral Society, Ridge Light Opera Company, Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey and was a frequent National Anthem performer for the Montclair Jackals and Newark Bears.

Mrs. Polinger is the Director of the OTS Vocal Ensemble. Mrs. Polinger has a Masters in Educational Leadership from Centenary University and a Masters in Learning and Technology  from Western Governors University.  In her time off, Mrs. Polinger enjoys pursuing other artistic pursuits in addition to music including photography, metalwork and sculpture.  

Chris Shaffer-

Mr. Shaffer is a music educator from Kean University and received his B.M. in Music Education with a K-12 music teacher certification in May 2022. Mr. Shaffer began his study of music education at Raritan Valley Community College, where he obtained an Associates of Fine Arts degree. Christopher transferred to Kean University, where he served as the principal drum set player for the Kean Jazz ensemble and Elefante Jazz Academy organized by Vincent Turturiello. He has also worked closely with master percussionists James Musto and Jim Thoma, where he became well versed in classical percussion techniques. 

Mr. Shaffer has performed with many ensembles throughout his time with Raritan Valley, the Kean Music Conservatory, and the Elefante Jazz Academy. These ensembles include jazz, wind, and percussion, and have performed at prestigious venues such as NJPAC and MetLife Stadium. Mr. Shaffer has been teaching private percussion lessons since 2016 where he specializes in drum set, marching and concert band percussion. Mr. Shaffer also has done his clinical experience at an elementary, middle, and high school. Through his clinical studies, he gained key music teaching skills such as conducting, classroom management, knowledge of wind instruments, and other vital teaching techniques. 

Course Descriptions: Ensembles

Beginning Band (Grade 5): Beginning band is for all fifth grade students interested in playing a band instrument at Old Turnpike School. Each year, students are introduced to the band instruments and given a demonstration. The students will bring home an interest page  and are encouraged to choose their top three instrument choices and provide a reason why. The directors will then work to build a balanced ensemble. Therefore, we will try to put each student on their choice instruments whenever possible. In beginning band, we work to help the students understand the care of maintenance of their instruments. We focus on learning basic theory concepts and proper techniques for their chosen instrument. The students in Beginning Band will play in a Winter and Spring concert for their families and friends during the school day. Peers and siblings in school will be able to watch the rehearsals leading up to the concerts. 

Beginning Strings (Grades 5): Beginning Strings is for all fifth grade students interested in playing a string instrument at OTS.  Each year, students are introduced to the string instruments and given a demonstration. The students will bring home an interest worksheet and are encouraged to choose their instrument preference with an explanation of why. The director will create a balanced group and provide further information on starting an instrument. In beginning strings we work on instrument care, hold, hand positions and bowing. We focus on learning music theory concepts and note reading. The students in Beginning Strings will play in a Winter and Spring concert for their families and friends peers during the school day. Peers and siblings in school will be able to watch the rehearsals leading up to the concerts. 

Intermediate Band (Grades 6-8): Intermediate Band is for all sixth, seventh and eighth grade students interested in starting or continuing to play in instrument at Old Turnpike School. The students will continue to learn more complex theory concepts and delve into more challenging repertoire. The Intermediate Band students will be held to a high standard as they prepare to continue playing in high school. Performances will include a Winter and Spring Concert for their peers during the school day and families in the evening. There will also be the opportunity to audition for Region Groups in the Spring and to attend the Hersheypark Music Trip. Students interested in these opportunities will need to be in good academic standing and have no discipline issues.

Intermediate Strings (Grades 6-8): Intermediate Strings continues building upon fundamental string techniques including rhythm, intonation, left hand facility, dynamics, and proper sound production (bow). Intermediate strings rehearses once weekly during E&R on Thursdays and Strings students are expected to attend one pull-out lesson per week. If students have a test during that time, they may attend the scheduled make-up lesson for that week. Intermediate Strings performs at two concerts annually in the Winter and Spring. Both concerts take place in the evening. Students may also perform at a concert during the school day for their peers.  At the end of each school year, students in grades 6,7 and 8 will have the opportunity to attend the Hershey Park Music Trip. Students perform for nationally recognized adjudicators and spend the afternoon at the park.  Students interested in this opportunity will need to be in good academic standing and have no discipline issues. 

Jazz Band (Grades 5-8): Jazz Band is an after school ensemble that meets once a week and is open to band members in grades 6-8. The Jazz Band is an auditioned ensemble. Students will be provided materials and expected to practice for their audition. Once accepted, the students in Jazz Band will work on Jazz technique and repertoire  and prepare for performances. It is possible that the Jazz Band be asked to play at events outside of the school and attendance is a requirement of being a part of the Jazz Band.

Vocal Ensemble (Grades 6-8): Vocal Ensemble is an after school ensemble that meets once a week on Wednesday afternoons from 2:30-3:30. The OTS Vocal Ensemble is open to students in grades 6-8. Like the OTS Jazz Band, the OTS Vocal Ensemble is an auditioned ensemble.  Once accepted into the group, the students in vocal ensemble will work on a capella vocal technique and repertoire. Students interested in this opportunity will need to be in good academic standing and have no discipline issues.  It is possible that the Vocal Ensemble will be asked to play at events outside of the school and attendance is a requirement of being a part of the Vocal Ensemble. Past groups have performed for the Tewksbury Women's Club and sang the National Anthem for the Montclair Jackals. 

OTS Chorus: OTS Chorus rehearses once weekly during period 7 on Wednesdays.  In the 5th grade every singer participates in our chorus. Any 6th, 7th or 8th grade student who would like to join this group are welcome schedule permitting.  The OTS Chorus performs at two concerts annually in the Winter and Spring.  Both concerts take place in the evening. Students may also perform at a concert during the school day for their peers.  At the end of each school year, students will have the opportunity to attend the Trills and Thrills music trip. Students perform for nationally recognized adjudicators and spend the afternoon at the park.  Students interested in this opportunity will need to be in good academic standing and have no discipline issues. 

So Why Music?

The Power of Music Education

https://www.kaufmanmusiccenter.org/the-power-of-music-education/#:~:text=Research%20shows%20that%20music%20training%20boosts%20IQ%2C%20focus%20and%20persistence.&text=The%20value%20of%20incorporating%20music,cognitive%20function%20and%20academic%20performance.

The Importance of Music Education 

https://www.graduateprogram.org/2020/08/the-importance-of-music-education-in-schools/ 

Important Benefits of Music in our Schools

https://nafme.org/important-benefits-of-music-in-our-schools/

The Argument for Music Education

https://www.americanscientist.org/article/the-argument-for-music-education