Per Elliott Seif in Ten Reasons Why Teaching the Arts Is Critical in a 21st Century World, “Learning a musical instrument, creating a painting, learning to dance, or singing in a chorus teaches that taking small steps, practicing to get better at something, being persistent, and being patient, even in the face of adversity, are important for growth and improvement. In other words, the arts teach habits, behaviors, and attitudes that are necessary for success in any field of endeavor.”

Music K-5

The elementary music curriculum is based on the PA Academic Standards for the Arts and Humanities. Beginning in kindergarten, students work on the fundamental skills of music - tone, rhythm, form, dynamics, and expression.  By building vocal awareness, students will grow as learners and musicians. As musicians, they will learn how to work collaboratively to perform a piece of music with different instruments, harmonies, and rhythms.  Students will also be assessed individually through their ability to identify and discuss significant periods of musical history, influential musicians, and by critiquing musical performances.  

K-5 Extra Curricular Music Ensembles: Depending on their grade, students have the opportunity to expand their musical participation at school in the following groups:

• Band: Fourth and fifth grade students have the option of participating in the band in addition to the required music class. The program provides a ½ hour weekly group lesson and an ensemble rehearsal to participating students. Students who qualify may also participate in the District Honors Band.
• Choral: Fourth and fifth grade students have the option of participating in the chorus in addition to the required music class. Students who qualify may also participate in the District Honors Chorus and the PMEA Chorus Fest.
• Orchestra: Third, fourth, and fifth grade students have the option of participating in the orchestra in addition to the required music class. The program provides a ½ hour weekly group lesson and an ensemble rehearsal to participating students. Students who qualify may also participate in the District Honors String Orchestra in fourth and fifth grades.
  
  

Music 6-8

At the middle school level, students are able to determine which area of music they wish to specialize in - general music, instrumental (band), vocal (chorus), or strings (orchestra).  Students who participate in the band or orchestra program are required to attend a weekly group instrumental lesson on a schedule rotating basis. All courses are rooted in the PA Academic Standards for the Arts and Humanities.  Many students who participate in the music programs also participate in their school’s musical production each year.  

6-8 Extra Curricular Music Ensembles:

• PMEA Festivals (Band, Chorus, Orchestra) - Qualified students may be invited by their ensemble director to participate in the PMEA District 12 Festivals.  These are one day events where student musicians from Chester County, Delaware County, and some of Philadelphia County come together to perform advanced pieces of music. 
• District Honors Band - Qualified students will be invited by their band director to participate in the WCASD District Honors Band, allowing them to collaborate with student musicians from the other WCASD middle schools.
• District Honors Choir - Students who are currently enrolled in their school’s chorus also have the ability to audition for the District Honors Chorus program, allowing them to collaborate with student musicians from the other WCASD middle schools.
• District Select Strings - Students who are currently enrolled in their school’s orchestra also have the ability to audition for the District Select Strings program, allowing them to collaborate with student musicians from the other WCASD middle schools.  This group competes once every other year, in addition, to other scheduled performances.
• Jazz Band - Students may also audition for their school’s jazz band.  This ensemble meets outside of the school day and performs additional concerts and festivals. Jazz band places emphasis on the various styles and repertoire found in jazz and gives students opportunities for improvisation as well. Orchestra students that play a jazz band instrument are also eligible to audition, as are piano, electric bass, and guitar players from all music courses.
• Select Chorus - Interested students in grades 6-8 may also join their school’s Select Chorus.  This ensemble performs both in and out of school, and their year culminates with a competition trip to Music in the Parks.

Music 9-12

The main function of the HS music program is to enhance and inspire students' musical capacities through participation in Band, Choir, and Orchestra. These classes are the cornerstones of our high school program, and they fulfill the Arts and Humanities graduation requirements along with a variety of general music classes such as keyboards, music theory, and music technology.  Some performance ensembles, such as Jazz Band, Wind Ensembles, Chamber Orchestra, Concert Choir and Chamber Choir, allow students to earn an “honors weight” to their academic GPA. Many students who participate in the music programs also participate in their school’s Broadway Musical production each year.

9-12 Extra Curricular Music Ensembles:

• PMEA Festivals - PMEA Festivals (Band, Chorus, Orchestra) - Qualified students will be encouraged by their ensemble director to audition for the PMEA District 12 Festivals. After the initial audition, accepted students will participate in a three-day event where student musicians from Chester County, Delaware County, and some of Philadelphia County come together to perform advanced pieces of music. From districts, students have the opportunity to progress to the regional, state, all-eastern, and national festivals.
• Marching Band - Students are able and encouraged to participate in their school’s marching band, gaining the experience of performing at football games, competitions, festivals, and local parades. In order to participate in marching band, students must commit to the summer band programming and rehearsal schedules of their school.
• District Senior Strings - Students who are currently enrolled in their school’s orchestra also have the ability to audition for the District Senior Strings program, allowing them to collaborate with student musicians from the other WCASD high schools and engage with more advanced pieces of music. This ensemble has scheduled performances as well as competitions.

Contact:
Kristen Barnello, Ed.D.
Supervisor of Fine Arts & Social Studies