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About our MUSIC PROGRAMS

At Mohonasen, there is a long-standing tradition of rich musical  instruction and performing opportunities for students of all ages. The music curriculum aligns with the state learning standards and offers many traveling adventures to enrich students' understanding and appreciation of music in our culture. From our youngest musicians to our award winning high school performing groups, we have much to be proud of at Mohonasen. What follows is a BRIEF summary of music at Mohonasen.

Elementary Music Program:

The music program at Bradt and Pinewood Schools includes general music instruction for 40 minutes each week. In addition to this, older students may also participate in one or more performing groups. Beginning in grade three, students may begin a string instrument and become members of "The Fresh Fiddlers," a string orchestra for first-year players. In 4th-grade and beyond, all students are offered the chance to participate in choir, band and/or orchestra. Small group instrumental lessons are offered once a week during the regular school day on a rotating schedule to prevent students from missing the same instructional time period each week. Students are expected to practice their instruments at home in order to progress. All student performing groups (orchestra, band and choir) hold their rehearsals after school with late buses provided. Membership in band is a reward for students who are working hard and practicing their instruments at home. The elementary orchestra, band and choir performs at the following public occasions each year: the winter and spring concert, the annual school budget vote, Pinewood's Flag Day celebration and the June Strawberry Festival. Students also perform for their peers at two student assemblies during the year. A parent orientation to Mohonasen's elementary instrumental program is held each year, early in September, to familiarize parents with the program and provide information on choosing an instrument. Most students need to rent and/or purchase their own instrument. Visit our Pinewood Music Program Web page now.

Middle School Music Program:

General music instruction continues every year in grades six thru eight at Draper Middle School. All students also have the experience of making music as they learn about it thanks to the school's high-tech electronic piano lab/Yamaha Program. Performing groups at the middle school include choir, band, jazz band and orchestra. Serious students are encouraged to prepare music and play for the NYSSMA Music Festival each spring. Draper's orchestra, band and choir perform at the winter and spring concert, the annual school budget vote, and the Strawberry Festival. Students also perform for their peers at two student assemblies during the year. Visit our middle school orchestra (Miss Kondenar's Web page), and band pages now. 

High School Music Program:

In the high school, students must have one unit of credit in music or art to graduate. To meet this, they may participate in band, choir or orchestra, earning one unit of credit per year.

Orchestra -- All orchestra members receive instrumental lessons one period per week during the school year. Membership includes the study of standard repertoire, techniques of concert performance and orchestral routines. The group performs at school concerts and assemblies. More on our high school orchestra program...

 

 

Choir -- Mohonasen's high school choir is a mixed group studying and performing choral music of all periods and styles. Performances are given at school concerts and assemblies. There is also a select choir for advanced students which performs at civic functions and school events. Outstanding students are chosen to participate in Suburban Scholastic Council music functions, NYSSMA solo competition, area all-state and all-state choirs. More on our high school choir program.. 

 

 

Band -- All band members receive instrumental lessons one period per week during the school year. Outstanding students are selected for placement in the following groups on a non-credit extracurricular basis: select band, stage band, orchestra, ensembles, participation in Suburban Scholastic Council music functions and participation in the NYSSMA solo competition, area all-state and all-state bands. Membership in the Mohonasen High School Band involves a significant "extracurricular" commitment of time and energy beyond the regular school day. Specifically, membership in the band requires participation in both:

• MARCHING BAND -- where students gain experience in marching techniques, preparation and performance at all home football games, pep rallies, parades and various competitive field shows. Students are also required to attend "Band Camp" (9 am to 9 pm) the last two weeks of August each year.
• CONCERT BAND -- Where students study and experience repertoire and performance, preparation and presentation at assemblies and concerts.

More on our high school band program.. 

The Tri-M Music Honor Society is the international music honor society for High School Students. It is designed to recognize students for their academic and musical achievements, reward them for their accomplishments and service activities, and to inspire other students to excel at music and leadership. Through more than 4,500 chartered chapters, Tri-M has helped thousands of young people provide years of service through music in schools throughout the world. More on our high school Tri-M Music Honor Society Chapter...

Many of Mohonasen's music students also get involved in the district's musical theatrical production each spring -- either singing or playing in the pit orchestra. (See Theatre at Mohonasen.)

For more information on Mohonasen's music program, visit our schools, check out music teacher web sites and visit the independently-maintained Mohonasen Music Parents web site.