50s Theme Day
celebration involved all students – either playing “ This Land is Your Land ” or singing along .
“ Everyone in the room was performing ,” said music teacher Dave DiFilippo . “ It was our first general music performance ever and it was a big success .”
While the students were having fun , the event really reinforced the goals of the music program to give students the widest musical experience possible at this young age . Whether or not they choose to pursue music opportunities later in school , all students can appreciate and enjoy music .
“ It ’ s important for us all to remember that kids at this age need to try new things ,” said Bair . “ And when they find success , that interest stays with them through their future school years . That ’ s what we do here at
Mr . DiFilippo leads the students in singing during the performance .
McMurray .” An event that spans an entire school can be hard to organize , but the music staff
credits a team effort . With everyone pitching in to promote and encourage participation , the week was such a hit it is likely to become an annual event for the school .
“ This really wasn ’ t just a performance ,” said Cygrymus . “ It was a collaboration .” And that makes beautiful music .
PTHS MUSIC STUDENTS TOUR THE DISTRICT
While our McMurray students were spanning music across the decades , our High School student musicians and choirs also paid a visit to add a little inspiration .
“ Getting started playing an instrument or taking part in choir can be daunting ,” said McMurray Principal Blair Stoehr . “ Sometimes a visit from other students , even a little older than they are , can help .”
Throughout the month of March , members of the High School Orchestra , Jazz Band and the Room 100 A Cappella Choir visited all of the K-8 schools to talk with students about classes and music opportunities available at the High School .
This is also the time of year when 3rd graders are making instrument selections for next year at McMurray Elementary . These performances and instrument demonstration conducted by the elementary music staff , help these young students make their initial selections .
A student ’ s musical education begins very young in Peters Township , and the collaboration of our staff across the grade levels benefits everyone in the program . Younger students are introduced to the teachers they may eventually work with and they often become inspired by the amazing performances they see from the high school students .
In addition to the performances , McMurray ’ s Music teachers visit Bower Hill and Pleasant Valley to give students hands on time with a variety of instruments . They learn the basics of holding the instruments and get a quick lesson on holding and creating sounds to see if a particular instrument works for them .
“ There are so many opportunities available to our students in the arts ,” added Michael Brookie , Co-Principal of the students in grades 4 and 5 . “ It ’ s exciting to see how our former students have grown during these visits and to see the look in the eyes of the younger students as they realize what they can accomplish .” eters Township
PETERS TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
Mrs . Bair and Mr . Cygrymus guide the students on the ukulele .
High School orchestra students visiting Pleasant Valley Elementary .
PETERS TOWNSHIP ❘ JUNE / JULY 2022 65