• The philosophy of the Music Department is to provide for the development of a musically expressive individual. Music contributes a positive self-image for success in creating, listening and performing. Music connects a student globally with other cultures, periods and places. Music can embrace, enhance and support all other subject areas. Emphasis will be placed on the four New York State Learning Standards for the Arts. Students are reminded that one credit in art/music must be satisfactorily completed as part of the New York State graduation requirements.

     

    NYSSMA Ratings: The New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) provides an opportunity for students throughout the region, state, and nation to have their musical skills adjudicated, at various festivals, by professional and performing musicians in the areas of band, orchestra and chorus. All students auditioning for festival performance groups must be members of a performance organization at their schools at the time of the audition and also at the time of the performance. The appropriate music is selected by level from the NYSSMA Manual. Students who achieve excellent adjudication results are invited to participate with other select students in some of the most prestigious and recognized high school performing groups in the country. Some of these selected ensembles include:

    • Junior All-County (best 7th-9th grade musicians in Rockland County)
    • Senior All-County (best 10th-12th grade musicians in the county)
    • Area All-State (best 9th-12th grade musicians in the region)
    • All-State (best 9th-12th grade musicians in the State)

Marching Band

  • Marching Band This is a voluntary musical ensemble open to students in grades 6-12. The program entails rehearsals after school, participation at football games, competitions, and parades. Marching Band Students are asked to consider membership to this group as their musical contribution to school and community. Concert Band students participating as full members for the school year will receive a weighted grade of 5% during the first quarter of the school year.