Performing Arts
Welcome to the SHMS Music Department. There are many opportunities for your child to participate in the many ensembles offered. Approximately 50% of the Strath Haven Middle School student body participates in one or more of the music department ensembles. The Music Department publishes a monthly calendar that includes information about rehearsals, concerts, and special events. The calendar can be found on our school’s website, in the Friday Flash, and on calendar handouts.
All of the large music ensembles (with the exception of the 6th Grade Orchestra) meet for rehearsal in the morning on a three-day rotation. Rehearsal time is 7:00 am - 7:45 am. Please drop your child off at the Copples Lane Parking Lot entrance to the building by 6:55 am so they have ample time to enter the rehearsal room and be ready to start promptly at 7:00 am. All of the music rooms are located on the 1st floor of the Copples Lane Entrance to the building. Many parents choose to carpool to help with the transportation to the morning rehearsals.
Music Department Staff
- Ms. Sarah Elsheakh
- Mr. James McLaughlin
- Mr. Nicholas Pignataro
- Ms. Allyson Williams
- Ms. Lindsey Reinhard Silva
Tabs
Instrumental Music
- 6th Grade String Orchestra
- 7th and 8th Grade Orchestra
- 6th Grade Band
- 7th Grade Band
- 8th Grade Band
- Basie Jazz Band
- Ellington Jazz Band
6th Grade String Orchestra
Rehearsals: Mondays - Connections (2:20 pm - 3:00 pm)
This ensemble is for all 6th grade students who play the violin, viola, cello, and string bass. This ensemble studies and performs a wide variety of styles and genres. The 6th grade orchestra performs at the Winter and Spring Fine and Applied Arts Concerts.
7th and 8th Grade Orchestra
Tuesdays - 7:00 am - 7:45 am
This ensemble is for all 7th and 8th grade students who play the violin, viola, cello, and string bass. Ensemble repertoire reflects an emphasis on the classics of the Western symphonic tradition. This ensemble performs at the Winter and Spring Fine and Applied Arts Concerts.
6th Grade Band
7th Grade Band
8th Grade Band
Basie Jazz Band
Ellington Jazz Band
FAQ's
- Rehearsal and Lesson Schedule
- Morning Drop-Off Procedure
- Group Lessons
- Student Expectations
- Assessment
- Instrument Storage
- Instrument Supplies and Accessories
Rehearsal and Lesson Schedule
The three Strath Haven Middle School Bands rehearse before the start of the school day. Rehearsal time is 7:00 – 7:45am. The schedule operates on a three-day rotation with each band rehearsing once every third school day. Parents provide transportation to rehearsal. Many parents form carpools to help with transportation.
Students need to report to rehearsal by 7:00 am on their designated day in order for practice to begin promptly at 7:00 am. Consistent attendance to all rehearsals is required and is essential to your child’s musical success. A monthly calendar will be posted online to assist you and your child with the rehearsal schedule.
DAY 1 – 7THGRADE BAND
DAY 2 – 6THGRADE BAND
DAY 3 – 8THGRADE BAND
The 6th Grade Orchestra rehearses on Mondays - 2:18 pm - 3:00 pm.
Please refer to the SHMS Music Rehearsal Calendar for all rehearsal dates
Morning Drop-Off Procedure
Students arriving to school for the morning rehearsals will need to be dropped off on the Copples Road entrance to the middle school. All drop offs should be made in the lower tier of the parking lot. Please do not go up into the school bus lane.
Jazz Band and other small ensembles will rehearse immediately after school: 2:30 pm– 3:05 pm. These ensembles generally form at the end of October and participation in these ensembles is by student audition.
Group Lessons
It is important for your child’s instrumental music growth that he/she studies their instrument with a private music instructor and/or participates in the small group lessons provided at school.
Small group lessons are taught once each week during the school day on a rotating pullout schedule. The lessons are rotated over seven periods of the school day. Students report to class and pick up any necessary class work and homework from their teacher before they report to the band room for their lesson. If a student cannot miss the scheduled class because of a test or special circumstance, they do not report to the group music lesson. Make-up lessons are offered at the end of each week.
Many students study their instrument with a private music instructor outside of the school. This is an ideal way to make the best progress on their instrument. I have included a list of private instructors that I know in the area.
Student Expectations
In order for students to achieve their fullest potential, it is essential that they make a full commitment to the band and to learning their instrument. Here are a few guidelines that should help them along the way.
- Attend all rehearsals and performances
- Be on time
- Attend lessons consistently
- Practice at home at least 5 days each week for approximately 30 minutes each session
- Always give your best effort
- Be respectful of each other
- Take good care of your instrument
- Work well together in lessons and in ensembles
- Be organized
- Have a positive attitude and have fun
Assessment
Throughout the year, students will be assessed on their progress. I have a series of benchmarks consisting of scales, exercises, songs, ensemble music that students will be expected to learn and perform with accuracy. Students will receive a grade on their report card based upon their effort, attendance, behavior, and musical progress.
Instrument Storage
The SHMS Music Suite has and instrument locker room that will enable students to lock their instruments in an assigned cabinet during the school day. Students are expected to secure their instruments in the instrument locker room during the school day and pick up their instrument to take home at the end of school. Each instrument locker comes supplied with a lock. Students must have a name tag on their instrument case. Parents should keep record of the instrument serial number at home.
Instrument Supplies and Accessories
In order for students to achieve their fullest potential, it is essential that they make a full commitment to the band and to learning their instrument. Here are a few guidelines that should help them along the way.
- Attend all rehearsals and performances
- Be on time
- Attend lessons consistently
- Practice at home at least 5 days each week for approximately 30 minutes each session
- Always give your best effort
- Be respectful of each other
- Take good care of your instrument
- Work well together in lessons and in ensembles
- Be organized
- Have a positive attitude and have fun
Vocal/Choral Department
Content Accordion
6th Grade Chorus
Rehearsals - Music Day 3 (7:00 am - 7:45 am)
This ensemble is for all 6th grade students who enjoy singing and making music. Song selections cover a wide range of styles and cultural influences, including jazz, classical, pop, and musical theater. Performances include the Winter and Spring Fine and Applied Arts Concerts.
7th Grade Choir
8th Grade Choir
Rehearsals: Music Day 1 (7:00 am - 7:45 am)
This ensemble is for all 8th grade students who enjoy singing and making music. Song selections cover a wide variety of styles and cultural influences. Performances include the Winter and Spring Fine and Applied Arts Concerts and an adjudicated performance at “Music in the Parks.”
Cantabile
Rehearsals: Tuesday and Thursday (2:30 pm - 3:00 pm)
Auditions for this 32-36-member select chorus are held in September. Cantabile sings more advanced musical selection representing a wide variety of styles and cultures. In addition to singing at school concerts and assemblies, this group has performed at Chestnut Ridge Residences and at Sterling Rehab, community events such as the Penn State Medical Brigades for Honduras Benefit, and the national anthem for the Philadelphia Phillies.
Please note: Only members of the 7th and 8th Grade Choir are eligible to audition for Cantabile.
General Music Offerings
6th Grade General Music
All 6th grade students take this 12-week course. The course is dedicated to understanding, performing, and composing music reflecting a wide range of musical influences. Students learn how to read and perform complex African rhythms. They then write their own compositions, drawing upon African rhythmic structures. In conjunction with the global studies focus in 6th grade social studies, students also learn about the music of China, Japan, France, and Latin America among others.
Also included in the 6th grade general music course is an introduction to the guitar and electronic keyboard. Students learn the basics of chord structure, fingering positions, and note reading. Students create and perform their own compositions.
7th Grade General Music
All 7th grade students take this 12-week course. Designed to address the Music Educators' National Music Content Standards and provide students an active and participatory experience in making music. In the guitar and percussion portion of the music course, students learn various music literacy skills and apply these skills in performance and composition.
8th Grade General Music
All 8th grade students take this 12-week course. Designed to address the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) Content Standards and provide students an active and participatory experience in making music, the course is divided into two sections. The keyboards and technology portion of the course builds upon skills students learned in 6th and 7th grade. Emphasis is placed on the concepts of musical form. Students compose and perform compositions, and they learn how to use computers to professionally notate their work. In the second portion of the course, students use guitars, percussion instruments, and the Internet to learn about various contemporary and historical music genres from a wide range of cultural traditions. The course also includes study of the music industry, including copyright law, royalties, and intellectual property.